Can the European Union Be a “Change Master” in the Climate Change– Defence Nexus?
Can the European Union Be a “Change Master” in the Climate Change– Defence Nexus?

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the “climate change – defence” nexus in order to identify opportunities for unlocking the EU's potential as a “change master” in a complex world. The paper aims, on the one hand, to showcase the Union as a “multidimensional power” with a unique toolkit for action and, on the other hand, to explore the EU's capacity to be a “change agent” in the green transition and the defence sector's involvement in it. A 'multidimensional power' is defined as a combination of aspects and tools of – soft, economic, normative, military, transformative, smart and tranquil powers. By implementing the Moss Kanter's innovative approach from the theory of change and exploring the numerous documents and initiatives generated by the European institutions in the last three years, the publication seeks to answer to what extent the Union has the capabilities to be a "master of change", namely to adapt to the environment and to identify new opportunities, threats and ideas; to use kaleidoscopic thinking; to communicate a clear vision and inspire others, to create coalitions, to work through teams, not to be discouraged by obstacles and to recognise everyone's contribution. As a result, it is concluded that while the Union has all the prerequisites to be a “change master” on climate change and defence issues, this potential is not yet unlocked, as: on the one hand, there is an imbalance between high proactivity by the European institutions and moderate caution in implementation by the Member States, and on the other hand, communication deficits exist regarding the EU's global green transformation efforts and investments. The sooner it is realised globally that the time is changing us, but we are changing it too, the sooner action will be taken on both the environmental footprint and the defence sector's contribution to climate emergency issues.

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