This was one of the factors that led to the foundation of the EU, as small, less powerful nations united in an effort to gain and hold power in a collective effort (Tyldesley). Therefore, in the "Five Lenses" and especially so in the case of EU, power is in essence the coin of the realm. In other words, without holding a superior position to others, class structure would not really help any coalition, as the ability to leverage into more lucrative relationships would not exist.
Risk- Any coalition is extremely risky; referring back to the earlier elements, there is the possibility of losing power or coming out of the collaborative effort worse off than when the effort was entered into.
Risk being understood, when looking at the coalition that has come to be known as the EU is extremely risky, especially when one considers the turbulent and violent past of Europe as a whole.
Structure- Class structure is an often overlooked, but perhaps the most important facet of the Five Lens Theory. Within this structure, a coalition must operate and therefore, the structure must, quite literally, be strong enough to "hold" the coalition in its present state, and to be able to accommodate future growth. The EU is undoubtedly experiencing growing pains due to an often murky structure (Brittan). Going forward, it will be extremely important for the EU to form structure from an efficient strategic planning viewpoint. While it is impossible for the future to be predicted, the EU, with wise planning of strategy, can maintain an inner structure that promotes external growth.
Timeframe- it is estimated that at least a dozen countries will join the EU over the next decade or so, in part because member nations of the EU enjoy a wide range of benefits which are significant...
Most noteworthy benefits of joining the EU, and which expansion of the EU would seem to magnify are free movement of goods/services/people/capital, stable price structures, and internal and external security. Also, a move is underway to improve social conditions, employment prospects, and industrial conditions for citizens of member nations (Springer). Through these benefits, the EU hopes to create an environment of robust economic activity, an excellent quality of life for workers and their families, and an assurance that the rampant terrorism that has dominated the world stage in recent times will subside.
Conclusion
The European Union is a fascinating coalition, both within the parameters of the "Five Lenses" and beyond. In conclusion, what should be understood about the EU is that within it resides the power to flourish or fail. Only time will tell which direction the coalition takes, but one thing is for sure- the "Five Lenses" theories will always apply.
Works Cited
Borowiec, Andrew. "EU Expansion Sows Doubt About the Future." World and I October 2004: 10.
Brittan, Samuel. "International Economy." 18 3 (2004): 34+.
Cohen, Jean L. The Limits of Marxian Critical Theory. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Press, 1982.
Gorvett, Jon. "Now You See it, Now You Don't." The Middle East Nov. 2003: 20+.
Springer, Beverly. The European Union and Its Citizens:the Social Agenda. Westport, CT: Greenwood P, 1994.
Tyldesley, Mike. "Stephen a. Resnick and Richard D. Wolff. Class Theory and History." Utopian Studies 14.2 (2003): 200+.
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