The European Union: Towards a ?Posthegemonic, Post-Westphalian and Postglobalization? World Order

Abstract: The European integration is one of the spectacular historical events. The result that has been obtained would be virtually impossible for any other regional organization to achieve. However, the continuation of this accomplishment depends upon some premises. Throughout this study, the crucial dynamics of the last two decades, which have rekindled the integration endeavor, are questioned from the neo-Gramscian critical theory perspective. Critical theory, developed mostly by Robert W. Cox, which tackles the very questions with substantially different devices, provides us with the well-depicted entire picture of the European integration. Moreover, going beyond the ?classic? theories of the European integration and treating the dynamics of structural shift, critical perspective evaluates the internal and external dynamics all together. The EU seems to have considerable power to counter-shape the transnational pressures. However, this feature can even be moribund if the people fail to engage to the process actively. Consequently, there is a serious responsibility to shape a new world order. The ?war of position? is to be carried out so as to attain the unprecedented world. To sum up, the proffered future world orders ? ?posthegemonic, post-Westphalian and postglobalization? ? can be reached through Europe since the EU is still bearing inherently the substantial power. This potential is but guarantor of the strikingly different world order.