Since its beginnings more than 50 years ago, the European Union has worked to sustain peace and bring economic prosperity to its 15 Western European member-states and the rest of Europe. As the United States considers whether to take military action against Iraq for its noncompliance with UN regulations, the EU is forced to maintain a delicate balance between its multilateral approach to foreign conflicts and its strong economic and political ties to the United States.
James K. Scott, director of the EU Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia and associate professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs, predicts that while the EU and individual governments within the EU are likely to follow the United States if it takes military action against Iraq, European people may not be supportive of this decision. According to Scott, many Europeans feel President Bush is too aggressive and often acts unilaterally. Europeans are much more familiar with the effects of war, since many older Europeans experienced World War II and its aftermath firsthand.
"Any unrest in Iraq poses a threat to Russia and Turkey," Scott also noted. "Europeans worry about what happens after military action is complete, and they doubt that the United States is willing to make the investments necessary to help Iraq establish a democratic state and a modern economy."
Conflict between EU leaders and Europeans could have many consequences within Europe, including political unrest and demonstrations, particularly in France and Great Britain. Strained relationships within these countries could weaken the EU and hurt its relationship with the United States.
"While the EU and the United States cooperate closely in many areas, including trade and foreign relations, each region perceives and approaches the threat from Iraq differently," said Kelly Shaw, assistant director of the MU EU Center. "Should the United States decide to 'go it alone' militarily in Iraq, the EU is likely to grudgingly go along, though it will damage transatlantic relations."
The mission of the MU EU Center is to foster contacts and productive transatlantic partnerships through teaching, scholarly research and outreach activities. In the tradition of land grant universities, the Center provides the education, knowledge and technology, service and support critical to a better understanding and interchange among between the European Union and America's heartland. In January, the MU EU Center will host a visit by John Hume, Nobel Peace Prize winner and a longstanding member of Parliament, both in the United Kingdom and the EU.
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