Can a Civilian Power Survive in an Uncivilised World?

• Published in: Studia Europejskie (Warszawa) Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 39 - 54
• Main Author: Zielonka, Jan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Center for Europe, Warsaw University 25.03.2025
• Subjects: cfsp; common foreign and security policy; common security and defence policy; csdp; european army; european foreign and defence policy; international order; normative power; war and peace
• ISSN: 1428-149X; 2719-3780
• DOI: 10.33067/SE.1.2025.3

It is often asserted that European integration is a peace project because it made war between former enemies on the old continent unthinkable. However, when faced with outbreaks of violence just outside its borders, the EU has proven to be paralysed, if not powerless. This is because of its cumbersome decision-making process and the lack of military capabilities at the disposal of the EU’s centre. Can a civilian power such as the EU assert its influence in an increasingly volatile, if not uncivil, international environment? This article will argue that the process of creating a European army, if undertaken, will be costly and time consuming. In the meantime, the EU would need to rely chiefly on its normative power, which is being eroded by a surge of illiberal politics.