After half a century's hard work, summing up from both theoretical and practical levels, and accelerating the internal and external integration of the EU in the form of integration, the EU has finally become a consortium of sovereign countries with major changes in its appearance. Based on its successful experience, he put forward the "European concept" of governing the world, hoping to play a "first-class role", "stabilizer" and "direction indicator" in international relations. The "European concept" has collided with American unilateralism, and there are differences in six aspects: concept, international law, diplomatic reform, economy and trade, which should be evaluated realistically. A large number of facts have proved that the unique and balanced role played by the EU in international relations shows that integration and multipolarization are complementary. After half a century of internal and external integration, the EU is growing stronger in the form of integration. Through a series of strategic ideas and actions, it has played an increasingly important and unique role in the international arena, objectively and forcefully promoting the development process of multipolarization. (1) After the Second World War, Western European countries have worked hard for half a century to eliminate the threat of war and achieve mutual integration, constantly summing up successful experiences and mistakes from the theoretical and practical levels, and gradually developing and growing. In recent years, the European Union has accelerated the pace of integration and integration, which is expected to make more significant changes in Europe. First of all, it will become a Europe with a vast territory, a large population and rich development, and the values of the EU will be extended to all European values. After four expansions in history, the EU has a population of 375 million in 15 countries, with a GDP of 7.88 trillion US dollars, accounting for almost 25.4% of the world's GDP. The EU will enter the fast lane for the fifth time, and 10 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean will join the EU. After these countries join the EU, their population will exceed 500 million, and their GDP will be as high as 8 trillion US dollars. Europeanization has evolved into Europeanization, and a "Greater Europe" covering most parts of Europe based on the rules of the EU game has already taken shape in front of the world. Secondly, it is a Europe that realizes monetary and economic integration. First of all, the European Union, with the integration of economic regions as the leading factor, has established economic security through mutual cooperation between countries, from coal-steel joint ventures, customs unions to agricultural policies, from the European monetary system to the unified big market and single currency "Euro". The birth and circulation of the euro greatly promoted the integration process of the EU in politics, economy, diplomacy and social life, and enhanced the strength and status of the EU. The economic strength of the EU is close to that of the United States. Taking 200 1 as an example, the economic growth rates of Europe and the United States were 1.7% and 1.2% respectively, and the European Union surpassed the United States for the first time in 10. The GDP of the European Union is 7.88 trillion US dollars, accounting for nearly 25.4% of the global GDP, and that of the United States is 10. 14 trillion US dollars, accounting for 32.7% of the global GDP. The unemployment rates in Europe and America are 7.6% and 5.8% respectively, and the inflation rates are 1.8% and 1.2% respectively. The total foreign trade of Europe and America is equivalent, which is 65.438+078.65 billion dollars and 65.438+09165.438+04 billion dollars respectively. The EU's foreign investment is 360.5 billion US dollars, and the US's foreign investment is 654.38+0278 billion US dollars. The EU attracted $322.7 billion and the US$ 65.438+0308 billion; In 2000, the issuance of bonds denominated in euros accounted for more than one-third of the international bond issuance, surpassing the US dollar. The proportion in international trade settlement has increased from 18% three years ago to 24%; Its proportion in international foreign exchange reserves has increased from 12% two years ago to 16%. Third, this is a Europe that is moving towards political union and "speaking with one voice". Political union can be described as the third stage rocket of European integration, that is, the last stage of customs union and economic union, and it is a great dream that Europeans dream of. "In order to effectively defend the future multipolar world, the EU should become a general political union in addition to the traditional economic policies, monetary policies and social policies, and formulate mandatory foreign policy, security and defense policies shared by the EU." . [1] In order to change the image of the EU as an "economic giant and political dwarf", the EU signed the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997 and decided to implement its foreign and security policies. Ayo came into effect in May 1999, and Solana became the first "elder" of foreign and security policy. Fourth, a Europe that gradually realizes independence and common defense and security. 1In June, 1999, the Cologne Summit adopted the Statement on Strengthening European Security and Defense, and decided to merge the Western European Union into the European Union. Subsequently, the Helsinki Summit decided that by 2003, the EU will build a rapid reaction force of 50,000 to 60,000 people. At present, the merger with the Western European Union has been completed, and the Political Security Committee, the Military Committee and the Military General Staff have been established and put into operation. The European public's recognition of independent defense is rising. A poll published by the French magazine "National Defense" after "9. 1 1" shows that 7 1% of Europeans support that Europe can use its own national defense forces alone without American assistance. 84% people think it is necessary to establish a European defense policy, which is 3 percentage points higher than that in 2000, including Germany (+13) and Britain (+10). [2] (2) The "full confidence" provided by EU integration has improved the mood of the EU, and the EU should govern the world with the "European concept". Based on its own half-century growth experience, the EU has explored experiences and policies to deal with international issues and formed a relatively complete set of "European ideas" for global governance. The main contents are as follows: 1. Deal with the problems in the process of globalization in a comprehensive, comprehensive and multi-angle way, deal with non-security factors through effective international legal means in the multilateral system, emphasize international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, and establish dialogue and cooperation mechanisms with various regions, organizations and continents; 2. Establish an international political and economic security pattern with "democracy" and multilateral thinking. Multilateralism should be an important goal of international politics, recognizing the legitimate interests of other countries, recognizing that the world is pluralistic, acknowledging the existence of many influential countries and different civilizations, and opposing unilateralism to dominate the world; 3. Expand the connotation and scope of the concept of security and bring it into the comprehensive management of major issues such as peace, assistance and development. "In order to become a fully mature participant in international affairs, the EU should attach importance to developing non-military means to deal with crises, and the international community should eliminate the root causes of conflicts through diplomacy, economic assistance and the peace process at the same time." [3] Security issues should include democracy, human rights, a country ruled by law and intercultural dialogue, and advocate and promote individual security, collective security and cooperative security. * * * The Foreign and Security Policy (EFSP) is an operational organization that promotes the "European concept", while the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) have become the armed arms of this organization, thus strengthening the EU's ability to prevent conflicts and military intervention; 4. The human rights issue is the most important, which advocates "human rights are above sovereignty" and "humanitarian intervention". Emphasis is placed on strengthening comprehensive governance means such as human rights, democracy, good governance, economic cooperation, promoting trade, assisting development, and preventing conflicts, so as to eliminate hotbeds of "failed countries". It advocates that aid should be used to eliminate poverty, support education and health, improve the economic, social and human rights situation of recipient countries, and support environmental protection and sustainable development. In order to cope with the three major challenges faced by the EU, namely, "bringing citizens, especially young people, closer to Europe, reforming European political life space in the enlarged Europe, and making the EU a stable factor and model in the new multipolar world" [4], the EU is carrying out difficult reforms to improve its decision-making ability, work efficiency and adapt to the expansion, realize its established role of playing a first-class role in the "new world order", and become a stabilizer for most countries and countries in the international arena. Second, the "big collision" between the "European concept" and American unilateralism In recent years, especially the year after "9. 1 1", one of the biggest changes in international relations is the constant contradictions and cracks between Europe and the United States, and Europe has become an international critic of important American policies. Specifically, the contradictions between Europe and the United States are highlighted in the following aspects. (1) There are thoughts of "anti-Americanism" and "anti-Europeanism" between Europe and America. In May this year, 120 more than 20 prestigious intellectuals attended a seminar on "anti-Americanism" in Germany and held a theme dinner on "anti-Europeanism" in Washington, with more than 20 participants. Schmidt, head of the American New Century Planning Organization, said: "The EU will always be a thorn in the side of the United States. If we decide to agree to merge with the EU, it will be a disaster. " [6] Scholar Robert Kagan pointed out more clearly: "It's time to stop saying that Europeans and Americans have the same worldview. Americans and Europeans have very different views on the extremely important power-the efficacy, morality and expectation of power. " [7] Former German Chancellor Schmidt believes that "at present, intellectuals with imperialist ideological tendencies have a greater influence on American strategic nationalism and egoism than at any time since the end of World War II" [8], and Everts, a senior researcher at the European Reform Center, said, "We should not say that Europe and the United States have similar world views". [9] (2) Differences between international institutions and international law. According to the research report published by the American Energy and Environment Association and the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy in March this year, after analyzing and studying the implementation of eight major international treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, it is believed that the United States is increasingly violating and undermining major international security treaties, and the United States "not only refuses to join the newly established international legal mechanism, but also fails to fulfill its obligations under ratified treaties". [10] The withdrawal of the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, its refusal to implement the Kyoto Protocol, and its opposition to the establishment of a permanent international criminal court by the United Nations have aroused great dissatisfaction among the European Union, accusing the United States of flouting international law and undermining the credibility of the Security Council. (3) Different foreign policies. On the issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the EU believes that the United States is partial to Israel and has no intention of comprehensively resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The EU strongly condemns Israel's invasion of Palestinian territory and opposes the proposal of the United States to replace Arafat. After Bush put forward the "axis of evil" theory, on the one hand, EU countries clearly expressed that they could not agree with it and thought it was an "unrealistic simplified statement", on the other hand, they made great efforts to improve relations with Iran, Iraq and North Korea and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the three countries in the economic and social fields. Regarding the US's attempt to launch a military strike against Iraq under the banner of anti-terrorism, EU leaders indicated that EU countries would not agree to a US military strike against Iraq unless authorized by the United Nations. Even Britain, America's closest ally, has distanced itself from the United States on this issue. Foreign Minister Straw said: "Iraq's agreement to the return of UN inspectors will change London's position." . [1 1] (4) Friction in the economic and trade field. The "trade war" between Europe and the United States in the economic and trade field has a long history. This year, the United States unilaterally decided to impose a 30% tariff on some imported steel, and the new agricultural law, which substantially increased subsidies to farmers, caused strong dissatisfaction and reaction from the European Union. The EU put forward a list of retaliation and decided to impose a punitive tariff of 100% on American goods, accusing the US decision of not complying with WTO rules. (5) There are different opinions on the issue of counter-terrorism. The EU should use the "European concept" to deal with all kinds of non-security factors, hoping to solve the problem through dialogue rather than confrontation, which is far from the US strategy of "being friends or enemies" and "preemptive strike". The EU has repeatedly emphasized three principles: building an anti-terrorist coalition within the framework of the United Nations; American military strikes must identify the target and avoid hurting the innocent; Strictly distinguish between terrorism and religion. But according to Bush's logic, the war on terror cannot be won by defense alone, and the only way to obtain security is to take action. (vi) Different concepts of security strategy. Europe believes that after the end of the cold war, the United States engaged in "excessive diplomacy", crossed Europe, and its strategic focus shifted eastward. After "9. 1 1", Europe and NATO became more "marginalized". Europeans are worried that "if Europe fails to unite politically and strengthen its military strength, it may be pushed to the edge of world politics by the strategy of the United States in the new century." [12] On the NATO issue, Europe believes that NATO is a crisis management organization and implements collective defense. The EU cannot defend the security and stability of Europe by its existing military strength, and Europe still needs NATO. But the United States regards NATO as a political tool that can be used. The EU believes that the United States will lose the original nature of "collective self-defense" by encouraging NATO to "expand eastward" without restrictions. The "big collision" between the "European concept" and American unilateralism has aroused the thinking and anxiety of all parties in Europe and America. The London Institute for International Strategic Studies pointed out in the Strategic Assessment Report 200 1-2002 that friction may hinder the efforts of Europe and the United States to establish a new security relationship of unity and complementarity, namely "9. 165438". [13] joseph nye said: "The conflict accompanied by American unilateralism is likely to lead to the gradual alienation of European and American relations, and the loss of alienation is enormous. Not only will Europeans often try to obstruct the political goals of the United States, but the United States will lose its best partner in promoting democracy and human rights. " [14] "Washington should pay attention to the resentment that its aggressive unilateralism will cause among its main allies. After all, the most precious thing is influence, not power. " [15] The crux of the contradiction between Europe and America lies in the differences in rational understanding and governance of the world, and in the differences between "singleness" (unilateral unipolar) and "pluralism" (multilateral multipolarity), "domineering" and "democracy". The EU believes that the world is diverse, and the way of governance should be democracy, jurisprudence and cooperation, while the United States should use unilateralism to seek to establish a unipolar world order dominated by the United States. Three. The unique balanced role of the EU The EU has put forward an ambitious global strategy, clearly positioning itself as a "first-class role", "stabilizer" and "direction indicator" in the world, and the EU should play a unique balanced role in the new world structure. About the unique role. The development model of the European Union and the comprehensive governance, democracy and multilateral thinking in its "European concept" cater to the wishes and requirements of most countries and regions in the world. This has played a "direction mark" role in promoting the establishment of new international relations and new regional cooperation models, thus increasing the influence and appeal of the EU. For half a century, European countries have been able to turn enemies into friends and integrate with each other because Europe has successfully achieved all-round integration in economic cooperation. Through mutual cooperation between countries, a safe and harmonious society has been established. The process of EU's own integration is the process of seeking security and security cooperation under democratization and institutionalization. Due to historical and geopolitical reasons, while emphasizing security, the EU has to emphasize "comprehensive" and "multilateral" governance. The EU believes that there is a "turbulent arc" at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa from east to southeast and from south, which is deeply troubled by ethnic, religious and tribal conflicts and terrorist activities. In the case of weak military strength, in order to maintain security, the EU has incorporated "comprehensive" factors such as politics, diplomacy, economy and trade, aid, democracy and legal system, human rights, and "multilateral" factors such as mechanisms of the United Nations and international organizations, multilateral thinking, cooperation of international and regional organizations, international law and multilateral agreements into its governance philosophy. On the one hand, the European Union has formed the most developed and stable regional cooperation organization in the world through cooperation, dialogue, democracy and institutionalization among countries, and its development model has attracted more countries to join, and more countries and regions have followed the example of the European Union to form regional cooperation organizations. On the other hand, the EU has also integrated its successful experience into foreign relations and promoted the democratization and institutionalization of new international relations. In recent years, by establishing a "new partnership" with various regions of the world and increasing its participation in hot issues, the EU can see a very attractive and active Europe in all fields of the international arena, in all corners of the world, from the United Nations to multilateral cooperation mechanisms, from the Kyoto Protocol to the International Criminal Court, from Afghanistan to the Middle East, from the Mediterranean to Latin America, and from the Balkans to the Korean Peninsula. "Due to unremitting efforts, although the EU has not become a major' superpower', it has become the first factor in world balance." [16] About checks and balances. After the end of the Cold War, the European Union is no longer a slave of the United States while the hegemony of "one superpower" of the United States continues to expand. The rise of EU's strength and status has brought new interaction to the relations between major powers, formed resultant force, and restricted American hegemony and unilateralism. 1. The relations between major powers have been adjusted and improved to varying degrees, but the contradictions between Europe and the United States are constantly expanding. The EU has rushed to the forefront on many major international issues and played a leading role in criticizing the United States. It is a "superpower" that dares to say "no" to the United States in today's world. America and Europe are partners, allies and friends. They are basically the same on the principle issues related to the overall strategic objectives, and share common values, history and culture. Just like this, Europe can challenge the United States, take advantage of American problems, and show the EU's "first-class role" and "stabilizer" role. However, both sides maintain the situation of "fighting without breaking" and "making up after quarreling". Therefore, we should give a realistic assessment of the consistency and contradiction between the United States and Europe. 2. The strategic cooperation between Europe, China and Russia has been strengthened. The EU's "European view" is similar to the world that China and Russia advocate "multipolarization" and "pluralism". Although Europe, China and Russia also have differences, they share the same interests on major strategic issues against "one superpower" and "unipolar world". Europe-China, Europe-Russia and China-Russia have strengthened political consultation and dialogue. According to the China-EU political dialogue agreement, the China-EU political dialogue mechanism was officially launched this year. As for Russia, with the improvement of Russia-US relations after "9. 1 1", Europe first promised to give Russia the status of "market economy country" and create a "unified economic space" with Russia, and the two sides strengthened cooperation on some hot issues. Sino-Russian relations have made great progress within the framework of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. As the three major forces in the Eurasian continent, strengthening the political and strategic cooperation and dialogue between Europe, China, Europe, Russia and China and Russia, strengthening the dialogue between Europe, China and Russia and even establishing some kind of cooperation mechanism will be conducive to the in-depth development of Asia-Europe cooperation and of great significance to maintaining world peace and stability and promoting multi-polarization. 3. The interaction between Europe, America and Russia is conducive to containing the United States. Since the United States and Russia have resumed friendly relations around international terrorism, "the triangular cooperation between the United States, Europe and Russia may make substantial and significant progress." [17] "As a more powerful foreign policy force with special advantages in Europe as a whole, it will be easier for the EU to form an action alliance with the United States and Russia. In fact, a mature European-American-Russian triangle can be an important means to restrict US policy. " [18] It is consistent for the EU to accelerate towards integration and multipolarization. In the democratization, pluralism and multilateralism advocated by the European Union, its subtext also contains the intention of multipolarization. In the Lycopene Summit Declaration, the EU once again put forward the concept of "multipolar world", saying: "Turn the EU into a stable factor and model in a new multipolar world". [19] As a constantly improving Commonwealth of sovereign States, it is still difficult for the EU to speak with one voice in foreign affairs and defense, which partially limits the play of integration as a "pole". However, with the deepening of EU reform and the continuous improvement of its strength and status, I believe that in the near future, the role of integration in promoting multi-polarization will become increasingly apparent. Note: [1] French national defense magazine, April 2002, 120, article by German Chancellor Schroeder.

EU integration and multipolarization come from: the first mode network

[2] Ibid., pp. 37-465,438+0, Europe and its defense means 2006,5438+0.

[3] website of the Center for European Policy Studies, February 22, 2002, article by Ahtisaari, director of the Center for European Policy Studies.

[4] 15] EU website 200 1 12 18, the declaration of the Lycopene Summit.

[6] On August 5, 2002, the British "New Politician" weekly article "Americans regard us as subsidiary".

[7] Policy Review of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, June-July 2002, The Strong and the Weak.

[8] German "Time" magazine in August 2002 1 day, Schmidt's article "Europe does not need a guardian".

[9] American International Herald Tribune, August 2002 1, Everts, "Some strategies are more effective than force".

[10] On March 4, 2002, the American Energy and Environment Association and the Nuclear Policy Lawyers Committee published a research report with a length of 188 pages, entitled "Rule of Law or Power".

Le Monde, France, 22 August 2002.

[12] German Der Spiegel in May 2002 13.

[13] London Institute for International Strategic Studies "200 1-2002 Annual Strategic Assessment Report": "Europe's Growing Strategic Role".

[14] On June 23rd, 2002, joseph nye, Dean of the Kennedy School of Politics of Harvard University, wrote an article entitled "Marriage Worth Saving".

American foreign policy focus magazine July 2, 2002.

[16] le figaro 200115, former defense minister Richard answered a reporter's question.

[17] is the same as [13].

Website of the Center for European Policy Studies in Belgium, February 2, 20021.

[19] is the same as [4].