by Walter Onubogu

Created on: January 24, 2009

The answer that is yes. We would benefit from a stronger European Union, because of the following reasons.

1.Multipolairity: In essence a resurgent and stronger European Union is good. It would have positive implications on the existing world order as I see it. As we see it today the United States is the only global superpower left and this isn't a good thing, either in terms of how it relates to others and how it treats the United Nations. By that I mean that the European Union could through their growing political and economic strengh, also enhance its diplomatic leverage, status and prestige in the the world as well in ternational fora (i.e. Davis Economic Summit). Looking at international conflicts and the constructive role the European union could have in helping to resolve them, I argue that a stronger European Union would underpin efforts at peace building and conflict , and post conflict resolution. The recent exchange of hostilities over the Gaza Strip between Hamas militants (the Palestinians) and the Israelis and America's unconditional biased support for Israel has shown, once again that the world is in dire need of a European Union that counterbalances the US and shows that diplomatic dissent and resolve in the world have a voice. Although the European Union, with its 25 or so member countries still lacks a cohesive foreign policy, inter-governmental efforts are underway to make adjustments and so develop and shape foreign policies in more unison. Another critical example, is the ongoing dispute over Iran's nuclear ambitions, while America and Israel vehemently reject any compromise with the islamic regime in Tehran and secretely work towards its demise and undermining it, Europeans (European Union) in contrast have adopted a more moderate and realistic approach. It is evident that the Islamic Republic will be around for some time, and Europeans given their growing economic ties with the Islamic Republic, wouldn't want to jump on to America's bandwagon and jeopardise their own relations only so the Israelis and Americans are happy. In fact no country would. It is clear to me that a stronger European Union will excert more political influence and prevent the USA from getting even more addicted to the unlateral strikes and agression against other countries ( only because America cannot stand the fact that others like Iran, Venezuela or Syria refuse to toe the American line in world affairs, and are becoming powerful in their own right and may act

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