Pursuing effective multilateralism: the European Union, international organizations, and the politics of decision making

In: Palgrave studies in European Union politics

Abstract

In the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the European Union created a strategic vision for its foreign policy. The concept of 'effective multilateralism' emerged and has been at the centre of debate around the EU's role in the multilateral system ever since. What exactly does it mean, and how does the EU go about pursuing it? This book argues that effective multilateralism is a two-way street between the EU and multilateral organizations, and for too long it has been assumed that natural synergies must exist between them. By exploring how the EU promotes its policies and interests in eight multilateral settings (including the UN Security Council, the IMF, the WTO and the UN General Assembly) much is learnt about the EU. Not only can EU policies sometimes do harm to multilateral organizations, but also examples of EU policy failures can, paradoxically, further the overall goal of 'effective multilateralism'.