The EU as a normative power

[Ken Korda]

So, when the USA creates a trade agreement with another state it demands that the state has legal apparatus and the government power to enforce contracts within the state. A trade partner of the USA has to make sure it has the legal apparatus to sustain business relations.

However, when the EU negotiates a trade agreement it also requires guarantees that the target state will acheive or sustain certain levels of human rights and democracy. Furthermor, the EU is compelled by its own rules to give aid to partner states in order to assist them with the creation of democracy and the protection of human rights.

My question is: Is it right that the EU is does this? Should the EU continue to press its values onto developing states or should instead act more like the USA and allow states to make their own decsions? Alternatively, is the EU leading the way in responsible trade, should the USA endeavour to encourage democracy when it attemepts to negotiate trade relations?

 

[beddo]

It is very right that the EU does this, the EU is one of the only decent super powers in the world that cares about and encourages the advancement and development of human rights and democracy.

The US should follow this example, especially when they claim to have bought democracy to Iraq, which they haven't. But, if they're going to blow their own trumpet on this matter they should do so wholeheartedly.

By not pressing these issues the US is essentially being irresponsible and it's apathy towards non democratic states damages its own reputation. I know it's cliché but, evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

Not that the US is good, far from it but the basic point is still there.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Yes, because we are more powerful than others. Might maketh right and all that, I personally think that liberalising the world is a very good thing. It naturally improves the economic and social conditions of people across the world. Yes, it's Imperialism, but Imperialism is nearly always a force for good (both the british and Roman empires are sterling examples of this), despite what buffoons may spout forth.

 

[Danzaivar]

I think they're both in the right. It's entirely up to each superpower what it requires of its trade partners. The US takes a pragmatic approach while the EU takes an idealistic approach. Some may however argue that if America tried to enforce democracy through trade agreements it would be a step up to their current (perceived) approach...