Richard Youngs Book order

Richard Youngs examines the policy challenges and choices now facing Europe in the wake of Russia's war with Ukaraine.

In recent years serious concerns emerged over the state of European democracy. Many democracy indices are reporting a year-on-year drift towards less liberal politics in the countries of the European Union. Polls regularly suggest that the voters are coming to question democratic norms more seriously than for many decades.Here, Richard Youngs assesses these risks as many analysts, journalists and politicians stressed the danger of Europe descending into an era of conflict, driven by xenophobic nationalism and nativist authoritarians slowly dismantling liberal democratic rights. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has intensified these fears. There is another side of the democratic equation, however. Youngs argues that governments, EU institutions, political parties, citizens and civil society organisations have gradually begun to push back in defence of democracy. With each chapter, Youngs shows how many governmental, political and social actors have developed responses to Europe's democratic malaise at multiple levels. Europe's democracy problems have been grave and far-reaching. Yet, a spirit of democratic resistance has slowly taken shape.This book argues that the pro-democratic fightback may be belated, but it is real and has assumed significant traction with various types of democratic reform underway, including citizen initiatives, political-party changes, digital activism and EU-level responses.

The book explores the evolving strategies of the European Union in shaping its foreign policy amid the Ukraine conflict and escalating tensions with Russia. It delves into the implications of these changes for EU relations with member states and external partners, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by the current geopolitical landscape.

Mass protest and other forms of activism are spreading around the world. The book examines why this is happening and what implications such dynamic new activism has for global politics.

In the last decade, the EU has been hit by a series of crises, most recently the UK's decision to leave the union following the Brexit referendum. In light of this, questions have been raised about the need to reform the whole model of European integration, with the aim of making the union more flexible and more accountable. In this book, Richard Youngs proposes an alternative vision of European co-operation and shows how the EU must re-invent itself if it is to survive. He argues that citizens should play a greater role in European decision-making, that there should be radically more flexibility in the process of integration and that Europe needs to take a new, more coherent, approach to questions of defence and security. In proposing this model for a `reset' version of Europe, Youngs reinvigorates the debate around the future of Europe and puts forward a new agenda for the future of the EU.

Examines what it is about Western democracy that non-Westerners react negatively to and whether critics often are equating a dislike for certain Western social or economic features with an aversion to Western political systems. It also explores the current state of debate about alternative forms of democratic practice in different regions.

Focusing on the intersection of climate change and security, the book examines how the EU is reshaping its geo-strategy and international relations in response to climate warnings. It reveals that while there are shifts in EU foreign policies, 'climate security' lacks the necessary emphasis. Youngs contends that for climate change initiatives to be impactful, they should be integrated into the broader discussions of the EU's common foreign and security policy (CFSP), rather than being treated as a distinct issue.

The book explores the profound crisis facing the European Union, highlighting its impact on the EU's foreign policy ambitions and prompting European nations to reassess their security and defense strategies. It delves into the interconnectedness of the crisis with broader geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for a cohesive response from member states to navigate these turbulent times.

Changing geopolitical realities have seen the Gulf region turning to Asia and Africa to build new economic links, while strengthening old ones. This proactive internationalism is visible not just in economics and energy, but also in politics and security where a host of new agreements has been developed. This work provides an overview of the ways in which the GCC states now need to move ahead with reforms that will reflect issues such as raised expectations from a period of high revenues and the region’s demographics.

The book examines the European Union's retreat from liberal internationalism across various policy areas, including trade, multilateral diplomacy, security, and human rights. It highlights the implications of this shift for development cooperation and energy security, analyzing how the EU's changing stance affects its global role and influence. Through detailed exploration, the author argues that these trends signify a significant departure from previously established liberal principles in international relations.