Slovenia on the Global Stage: A Role in the Taiwan Strait Conflict?

Abstract

After seventeen years of independence and successful integration into the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Slovenia is gradually establishing its role in the international community and proving its ability to act on the world stage. Recently, Slovenia successfully completed a term as president of the EU, the first of the 2004-2007 entrants to hold the presidency, thus proving that it is well-integrated into the workings of Brussels. Slovenia is an enthusiastic participant in a thriving European regionalism which has increased the EU`s desire to become a more effective global actor in international security. The EU`s emerging interaction with Asia has provided Slovenia with an opportunity to get involved in Asian affairs and take part in the enhancement of the EU`s political and security role in the Asian region. The Taiwan Strait is a dangerous flash point that might trigger a war in Asia and have dramatic repercussions on the EU and its member-states, The EU has gradually awakened to the need to develop its own security perspective on China and to form its own approach toward the contentious cross-Strait issue. EU accession and Europeanization have given Slovenia increased weight and enhanced its ability to contribute to world peace.