SAFE – Will the American Eagle be Replaced with the European Golden Eagle? Can the EU replace the US as a benign hegemon?

This paper examines whether the European Union (EU) can supplant the United States (US) as a benign hegemon in the contemporary international system. It discusses the concept of a benign hegemon, traditionally associated with the US, characterized by military and economic dominance exercised with liberal values, multilateralism, and the promotion of global security and prosperity.

The analysis highlights the limitations of US hegemony, including military overextension, economic challenges, and a decline in soft power, particularly in regions such as the Middle East.

Conversely, the EU’s global ambitions are examined, with a focus on its peace efforts, trade agreements, development aid, and multilateral engagement. However, the EU’s internal divisions, lack of unified foreign and defense policy, and historical perceptions of coercion limit its ability to act as a benign hegemon.

The analysis concludes with a proposition that the EU’s unique nature and current constraints suggest it cannot fully assume the US’s role, raising questions about the viability of benign hegemony in today’s context.