sâmbătă, 1 martie 2025

The Need for a Monroe Doctrine for the EU


Although the European Union has made immense progress in economic integration, serious problems persist that limit its geopolitical influence and ability to act as a unified actor. Structural problems prevent the EU from being a strong global player. Without NATO and US protection, the EU does not have an effective defense of its own. France and Germany talk about "strategic autonomy", but Europe does not have a strong common army. If the European Union does not develop real strategic capabilities, it risks remaining an "economic giant, but a political and military dwarf."

 

In this context, it is worth mentioning the Monroe Doctrine, the foundation of American foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere. Enunciated by President James Monroe on December 2, 1823, it was one of the most influential foreign policy statements of the United States. Its original purpose was to prevent interference by European powers in Latin America, but over time it evolved into an instrument to justify American interventions in the region. The Monroe Doctrine was a defensive principle against European colonialism.

 

Perhaps it is not a bad thing to establish a Monroe Doctrine at European level, which, for the first time, defines the vision of independence of the European Union. Realistically speaking, if the European Union were to try to adopt a doctrine similar to the Monroe Doctrine, it would mean a limitation of US influence in Europe, both militarily, economically and geopolitically. However, without a common army and an economy less dependent on American technologies, Europe will remain in a close partnership with the US, willingly or not.

 

Dan LUCA / Brussels

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