Voluntarisme versus unilateralisme? Belgie en de transatlantische betrekkingen tijdens de regeerperiode van George W. Bush
In: Studia diplomatica: Brussels journal of international relations, Band 57, Heft 3, S. 115-124
Abstract
The Belgian foreign policy carried out by the prime minister Guy Verhofstadt & foreign minister Louis Michel is described as voluntaristic with ethical overtones & contrasted with the US policy of unilateralism. The state of the two countries' mutual relations before & after September 11 is outlined, & the growing division over the war in Irak is investigated. Excerpts from Michel's speeches are quoted to demonstrate the voluntaristic content & form of Belgian foreign policy within the EU & in Central Africa. The split within the EU on supporting the US intervention in Irak, with Belgium joining France & Germany in opposing George W. Bush's decision to invade this country, is described. It is pointed out that Belgium disagrees with the unilateral approach to foreign affairs adopted by the Bush government, as it: (1) replaces the principle of fellowship with followship, (2) dismisses the principle of multilateral consultation propagating its slogan of the "coalition of the willing," & (3) does not respect the "rules-based system" of international conduct. The prospects of Belgium's place in a future configuration of transatlantic relations are assessed, concluding that this country's voluntarism is less damaging to fellowship than American unilateralism. Z. Dubiel
Themen
European Union, Iraq, Foreign Policy, Belgium, International Conflict, United States of America, Military Intervention
Sprachen
Niederländisch, Belgisches Niederländisch
Verlag
Institut Royal des Relations Internationales, Brussels, Belgium
ISSN: 0770-2965
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