In Search of Structural Power: EU Aid Policy as a Global Political Instrument

by Patrick Holden

Overview

Offering a clear and logical analysis of the panoply of European Union aid policies and a theoretically informed evaluation of their operation, Patrick Holden contends that the major thrust of EU aid policy is an effort to augment the EU's structural power through targeted political and economic liberalization. Although historically grounded, this book concentrates on EU aid to key world regions in the 21st century. As such, it provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of EU aid policy and will be of interest to a wide range of academics, students and policy makers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754673330
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/28/2009
Edition description:	1
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Patrick Holden is a Lecturer in International Relations in the Politics and International Relations Subject Group, Faculty of Business and Social Science, University of Plymouth, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Chapter 1 The Theoretical and Methodological Framework; Chapter 2 A Global Overview of EU Aid Policy; Chapter 3 EU Aid and Euro-Mediterranean Integration; Chapter 4 EU Aid to the New Independent States; Chapter 5 The European Development Fund in Africa; Chapter 6 ‘Gentle Commerce’ or Structural Power? EU Aid to Emerging Markets in Latin America and Asia; Chapter 7 New Instruments, New Trajectories? The Ongoing Evolution of the EU’s Aid Policy; Chapter 101 Conclusion;

Editorial Reviews

'The forms of power exercised by the EU in its relationships with third countries are a chronically underexplored activity directly addressed by this volume. The case studies of aid policy as a form of EU structural power contained in this book are a highly original contribution that greatly enriches our understanding of Europe’s global role.' Richard G. Whitman, University of Bath, UK 'Patrick Holden's book offers a useful contribution to what, until recently, has been the neglected area of EU aid policy. It provides a comprehensive review of the EU's external assistance and places it within the context of international relations and political theory. It throws particular light on the continuing debate about the relationship between the EU's development commitments and foreign policy objectives.' Stephen Dearden, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK 'This contribution provides a complete review of the Union's financial assistance towards third countries. Overall, the book is both well written and clear, and constitutes a valuable contribution to the scholarly knowledge on the Union's global role. It is not only a recommended read for academics, but also for students and interested readers.' European Foreign Affairs Review ’The book brings a substantial contribution to EU studies by providing a comprehensive analysis of EU aid policy and its implications for foreign policy. As well, Holden’s work offers us a systematic understanding of the European Commission’s engagement in several developing areas of the world in a comparative perspective.’ Journal of Common Market Studies '... this is an important, exceptionally well researched and insightful book. Holden has made an important contribution to our understanding of the EU’s aid policy and its evolving role in shaping the nature of globalisation.' Political Geography ’This book is about much more than EU aid policy and touches upon broad themes of international political economy as well as Eur

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