Selon les observateurs, la crise mettrait en cause le fonctionnement de l'Union Européenne et la compétitivité de ses entreprises. Mais le modèle européen présente aussi des points forts. Les facteurs déterminants de la compétitivité territoriale (concurrence, attractivité, économie, valeur, risque, dimension, efficacité, croissance) ont permis à l'Europe de maintenir longtemps sa position dans le monde. L'UE est-elle en déclin ou la situation de crise fera-t-elle émerger un nouveau modèle de croissance ?

First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This volume analyzes the character of the EU as an actor in international affairs. The authors consider the questions such as: Does the EU have an identity of its own in global affairs, distinct from that of its member states? And what is its relationship with other major international actors?

Political conditionality involves the linking of development aid to certain standards of observance of human rights and (liberal) democracy in recipient countries. Although this may seem to be an innocent policy, it has the potential to bring about a dramatic change in the basic principles of the international system: putting human rights first means putting respect for individuals and rights before respect for the sovereignty of states.

Richardson introduces the policy-making processes at work in the EU. This edition has been significantly improved to make it even more accessible for second and third year undergraduates. A website will also support this edition, featuring some of the more technical material such as statistics.