Geo-economic and geopolitical developments in EU-asia security relations

Abstract

Global changes in power distribution and successive international crises have inevitably affected the European Union (EU) as an international player, heightening geo-economical and geopolitical considerations. China’s growing economic and military weight is a particular concern, not only as it relates to the Sino-US confrontation but also due to its economic and political influence in the Asia region, a region where the EU has significant trade and investment interests and depends heavily on the safe passage of maritime transport in the Indo-Pacific oceans. Relying on studies of economic statecraft, this research will explore the types and nature of economic instruments that the EU has introduced to defend or promote security relations with Asia and whether they have advanced the geopolitical ends of the EU. It will suggest that the EU has made considerable strides in linking trade/economic tools with geostrategic objectives, in promoting non-traditional security aspects generally, in consolidating and expanding EU connectivity and security partnerships with Asian countries, and in enhancing its naval presence in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.