Publication

This commentary looks at the challenges Europe faces in influencing its politically unstable periphery in the 21st century. The author argues that Europe has been too hesitant to intervene when conflicts started in its backyard in 2011. For example, it has done little to back the UN-led mission which is trying to find a solution to the conflict over the Western Sahara and has failed to contain chaos in Libya following the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The author suggests that Europe should be more engaged in its periphery, but without being too imperialist.