An appraisal of the European union as the next Hegemon

Historically speaking, hegemons have been around since the inception of the modern state. The dominance of Britain during the early 1900s, its decline after the two world wars, and the emergence of the United States show that hegemony is not permanent. Successful expansion inevitably carries with it the seeds of subsequent decay. If hegemony is not permanent, could another state usurp the hegemonic rule that the US is currently holding? Even more, could a collective group of states, such as the European Union, gain such power and influence? The main question that this thesis addresses is, 2how a collective group of states (i.e., the EU) can obtain a hegemonic status and overtake the US as the global superpower.3 In accordance to this, the researchers assessed three components that make up a superpower: military, economic and political capabilities and looked into specific events that support the said capabilities. Each component is tackled into separate chapters along with a case that would make for a concise understanding of the EU’s capabilities. With this, the underlying question of whether the EU has what it takes to dominate the international setting with its capabilities and policies is answered