Will Europe Become A Superpower?

Having expanded to twenty five states the European Union is only becoming larger and stronger. Europe is definitely a power in it's own right and could have claims to 'superpower status' in the future. The creation and implementation of the European Union has ensured that the continent has become more integrated and unified. It has brought stronger internal cohesion between the member nations as they all have common goals and objectives that will maintain and sustain the credibility of the European Union. As an alliance the largest countries such as France and Germany seem stronger politically than when they were independent of the union. From a political standpoint several of the Countries who decided not to accompany the United States in the war against Iraq exemplify this notion. "Rather than rallying behind the United States, countries around the world are distancing themselves from Washington and locking arms to resist a wayward America." Kupchan (2003, p205)

From an economic point of view the European Union continues to get stronger and is arguably the most important trading bloc in the world. "Around the 450 million citizens of the EU, there are another 1.5 billion people who depend completely on an EU that is their biggest trade partner and their biggest source of credit, foreign investment, and aid." Leonard (2005). Certainly since its inception the European Union continues to grow and is an essential participant in the global economy. If the European Union can continue to build on its foundations then it has the potential to become a superpower. However the European Union can not yet compete with the United States from a military perspective.

This paper will examine the possibilities for the European Union in the near future, look at the United States in comparison and argue that there will be a redistribution of global power throughout the next century.

Prior to this century Europe had always been a hegemonic force throughout the world and survived the brunt of three wars with which between each one devastation and destruction occurred to unseen levels in which millions of civilians perished.

"Within a 75-year span, the European continent was ravaged by three brutal war campaigns: the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), World War I (1914-18) and World War II (1939-45). Together, an estimated 60 to 70 million Europeans were killed."

Ritter (2006).

The last century also saw the dramatic collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Russian Empire and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Since the end of the second world war however and even with the Cold War on the horizon, Europe recognised the immense importance of ensuring that the continent didn't suffer the repercussions of war again and also recognised the benefits of being more fully integrated. "In just 50 years, Europeans have made war between European powers unthinkable; European economies have closed the gap with the US; and Europe has brought successive waves of countries out of dictatorship and into democracy." Leonard (2005)

Whilst it has the opportunity to become a superpower, there are two factors that will certainly help determine it. One is of course the dramatic and gradual rise of China, currently the most populous nation on earth and with an economy that just keeps growing and growing. The other is the United States and the expected decline that is expected to occur not only politically and economically but influentially. Remember the United States has continually come to the aid of Europe in both World Wars, the evils of communism and fascism and by preventing the Soviet Union from spreading it's sphere of influence right through the European continent. "The fact that Europe does not have one leader, but rather a network of centres of power united by common policies and goals, means it can expand to accommodate ever-greater numbers of countries without compromising their independence, while continuing to provide its members with the benefits of being part of the largest market in the world." Leonard (2005)

The United States emerged from the Cold War as the sole superpower left in the World. The United States were victorious in an intense and gruelling 45 year ideological standoff against the Soviet Union and communism as Mikhael Gorbachev realized that they could no longer compete in the competition for arms. From a political, economic and military perspective the United States have been both the most prosperous and influential nation since the Cold War culminated. Since 1945 they have come up out of isolationism and played an instrumental role in international relations and international politics. They have also played an imperative part in the development and implementation of some of the most important organizations there are today such as the United Nations, The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.. However the United States of America have over recent years been engaged in full scale war with the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and in Iraq. These engagements have resulted in a United States which today finds herself challenged by the obvious growth of China which has accumulated tremendous wealth whilst the Americans have been incurring mounting costs to pay for their war efforts. It is therefore obvious that China's emergence as a super power must give rise within Europe with respect to their own Defence/Security position.

A few days ago Gordon Brown speaking in Guildhall London made his first statement with respect to Foreign Policy and indicated that there would always be a special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.

As a matter of fact Sarkosy has himself sought a reproachement with the USA after 'the cool years' which characterized Franco/U.S. relationships under Chirac. However reading between the lines of the speeches of both Brown and Sarkosy, there is a projection of the idea that eventually Europe must be in full control of her own destiny.

It is to be remembered that both the U.K. and France within Europe have nuclear capacity. At this moment in time most European nations are proud of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation under which existed the structure of U.S. European Military collaboration. It is to be noted that NATO structure is still predominantly being influenced by the Americans. "In seeking to avoid a return to strategic rivalry, the EU will doubtless manage its relationship with the United States and NATO carefully. But care will also be needed to ensure that the growing consensus within the EU is not undermined by internal strategic rivalry" (Cornish & Edwards 2005)

Considering the overall disenchantment with American governance and leadership with respect to Iraq