A critical evaluation of normative power EU Essay

A critical evaluation of normative power EU - Essay Example It is true that Francois Duchene (1972) developed theory, which terms the Europe as a civilian power. Indeed, Duchene deliberated that Europe’s most significant specialty was its promise to favour political and economic means in the place of military initiatives. (Duchene, 1972). Footing upon the Duchene’s theory, Manners presented the notion of Normative Power of Europe (NPE) as a structure of evaluation of the role of Europe in international order (Kugel, 2012). Along with the recognition of the EU as a civilian power, relying primarily on economic rather than military means, it is widely discussed as normative power which recognizes such norms and values as human rights, democracy, sustainable development (Gerrits, 2009). There is one important concept in EU’s normative power policy which is â€Å"milieu goals†. Realization of â€Å"milieu goals† of the EU which is the policy of expansion, neighborhood and numerous programs of partnership. At the same time, â€Å"milieu goals† are embodied at the global level within the international organizations, through the global ecological policy and various ethical initiatives (Tocci, 2008). It is demonstrated in the past and present studies about existence of special European foreign policy identity and special role of EU in the international relations. Nevertheless, one should admit that the EU’s normative power faces large number critics from many experts and researchers for inability to impact on global politics worldwide. On the other hand, one cannot deny that the EU seeks to apply normative policy towards not only Eastern European countries, but also towards North Africa and the Middle East states (Zielonka, 2013). This research essay will attempt to detail the evolution of the normative power of the EU, how it is being administered, the darker side of it and further