http://globalnews.ca/news/1841051/eu-leaders-hold-out-sanctions-threat-for-parties-breaching-ukraine-accord/
A cease fire between Ukraine and the Rebels was supposed to begin 5 days ago, but has been reportedly broken at least 20-50 times. The European Union Leaders, Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande, maintain their stance on upholding their sanctions against those in violation of the Ukraine accord at a joint press conference. Each give speeches announcing that if the peace agreement is still breached their will be sanctions put against both parties. Both Merkel and Hollande state that their goal is not impose sanctions, but to create a state of peace in Ukraine.
The power of this supranational institution displays the effect globalization has had on multiple state actors as Nations. The European Union is addressing this crises not a nations, but a more conjoined force. Highlighting the ideas by Schinkel surrounding globalization and functioning of the state as a political entity. Additionally highlighting Schinkel's idea of a social hypochondriac state,"a state that see's itself as delineated whole consisting of integrated functional parts. All of its problems are attributed to its environment ,which alternates between global terrorism, migration, or fast-moving violate capital" (Schinkel: pg. 18). Even though the European Union is highlighted in this press conference other nations are taking into account that they will also be placing enforcing sanctions as well. Multiple nations are taking into account global awareness and intervention into this crises, redefining roles, reactions, and "punishments" for not abiding by an international agreement.
Do you think the EU is becoming its own state or some sort of supra-national entity? I ask because one could argue that the EU as a state is more politics as usual than a real change.
ReplyDeleteTo throw in my two cents, I would argue that the EU acts more as a supra-national entity which seeks to create a sense of order in a system which is usually one of anarchy. While its effectiveness is questionable, the fact that it seeks to hold member states accountable for their actions through the implementation of sanctions represents the incentive for states to behave a certain way.
DeleteProf. Shirk,
DeleteI think that the EU is sort of evolving to become a more supra-national entity and this could be seen as some of the first steps toward that. Since the "Great Recession" the EU has been forced to act as a single unit instead of the individual nations that make it up. In addition as we discussed in class today since all of the EU uses the same currency this forces more cooperation since any financial issues in one nation causes an issue in all of them. Now in addition to the economic dependence on one another nations in the EU are linking together and making joint statements to uphold sanctions so I feel that this will be a growing trend.
The EU is displays characteristics of a supranational institution. It does as Michael and Sarah stated have implications of sanctions, incentives, and has somewhat conjoined policies. Since the EU is constantly developing and changing. I do not think of it as "politics as usual". The EU is somewhat of an experiment that has incorporated different economic rules and eliminated certain transnational boundaries. I believe the EU can also be seen as a movement towards globalization. It gives into interdependence between nations and may be a process used more in the future between other states if it continues to show levels of success.
DeleteI am cynical about the idea that EU countries impose sanctions for "breaking promises" or for peace. In light of the current situation in Greece, the leniency of dealing with Greece is not consistent with Russia. Also EU must know that sanctions alone are ineffective at stopping conflict. If the EU was truly concerned with peace, it would be active militarily. I believe the EU is completely concerned with political images and the sanctions are inherently shallow as to appear to be doing something, without making any actual impact.
ReplyDeleteGoing off of Noah's point, I believe that it would be very difficult for the EU to get involved militarily. I think their alliance is more based heavily on economics and social ties. The use of military force would go beyond the comfort zone of many of the countries involved. I'm fairly certain that they want to stay as far away from bringing in the military as possible.
ReplyDeleteAdding on to what Grace stated, I also think that the shape and foundation of the EU to get involved militarily would not be the best option. Therefore their use of implications through social and economic ties is the necessary for certain countries beliefs and stand points in the EU.
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