European Parliament members Damian Boeselager and Helmut Brandstätter debated whether Europe can lead the rules-based international order during a recent Euronews broadcast [1].
The discussion centers on whether the European Union possesses the political and structural capacity to serve as the global epicentre of liberal democracy amid rising authoritarianism [1, 2].
Appearing on the weekly debating show #TheRing, the MEPs examined the challenges of upholding democratic values on a global scale [1]. This debate occurs as some observers describe Europe as the last champion of liberal democracy in a world facing an increase in authoritarian regimes [2].
However, the feasibility of this leadership is contested by some geopolitical scholars. John Mearsheimer said that pursuing a policy of liberal hegemony—specifically trying to turn other countries into liberal democracies by the barrel of a gun—simply does not work [3].
Internal pressures also complicate the EU's external ambitions. The Council of Europe said that a combination of disinformation, populism, and external pressure threatens democracy across the continent [4]. These domestic vulnerabilities may hinder the bloc's ability to project a stable democratic model abroad.
Efforts to establish international standards continue through multilateral agreements. For example, the U.S., the U.K., and the European Union signed an AI treaty on Sept. 5, 2024 [5]. Such agreements represent a shift toward a rules-based framework for emerging technologies, even as the broader ideological leadership of the EU remains under scrutiny.
The debate reflects a tension between the EU's desire to be a normative power and the practical realities of global power politics [1, 3].
“Europe remains the last champion of liberal democracy in a world where authoritarianism is on the rise.”
The debate highlights a strategic crisis for the European Union as it attempts to define its role in a multipolar world. While the EU seeks to lead through 'soft power' and regulatory frameworks—such as the 2024 AI treaty—it faces a contradiction between its democratic ideals and the effectiveness of liberal hegemony. The internal rise of populism further weakens its moral authority to act as the primary global arbiter of democratic norms.
