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Preserving a Liberal International Order: The EU’s Unity and Economic Strength as a Means of Limiting the Corrosive Effects of China’s Sharp Power

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2022

Luís Leal de Faria Open the ORCID record for Luís Leal de Faria [Opens in a new window]
Luís Leal de Faria*
Affiliation:
Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Research Centre of the Institute for Political Studies (CIEP) – Palma de Cima, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal. Email: luislealdefaria@outlook.com
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Abstract

This article studies the mechanics through which the EU’s relations with China may harm its values and institutions, providing specific examples that precisely illustrate the Chinese Communist Party’s malign influence in Europe. It also intends to reflect on the extent to which the two distinct political and economic models are compatible with the preservation of a liberal international order. Accordingly, we aim to assess whether the EU has the capacity to counteract China’s sharp power, highlighting concrete policy actions that help strengthen the EU’s position while also identifying persisting shortcomings. It is argued that the EU has considerable economic deterrence to push China into respecting global defined rules and arrangements. Indeed, recent reforms, such as the investment screening mechanism and the global sanctions regime, were an important step towards the affirmation of an EU committed to its values. However, the unanimity requirement in the Common Foreign and Security Policy’s decision-making will likely remain a relevant obstacle for a coherent and efficient EU’s external action.

Type
Review Essay
Information
European Review , Volume 30 , Issue 6 , December 2022 , pp. 788 - 805
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Academia Europaea

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