EUROPE AND THE WORLD

: NEW TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

Abstract

The world of International Relations seems to be moving no less than the speed of light. Rapidly shifting international environment demands equal momentum to catch up with the change. However, the European Union lags behind because of some serious impediments in its foreign policy mechanism. The differences between member states and supranational institutions keep the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) in cold storage. Europe’s role as an international player in world politics needs to be activated if it desires to remain relevant in a scenario where Russia, China and the US appear more concerned about their respective national interests. This paper compares the emerging trends in international diplomatic arena with the developments in the EU’s foreign policy. The paper discusses the tools that the EU requires to play an influential role on the world’s diplomatic stage.