Turkey Joining the EU

Description:

The European Union starts membership talks regarding Turkey in October, 2005. As additional Eastern countries join the Western-dominated EU, the entity faces increased social and political challenges but potentially positions itself as a superior global power. Proponents see the change as a way to stabilize Europe's relationship with the Middle East.

Enablers:

• Economic opportunity
  
• Global Competition
  
• Need to stabilize Eastern-Western relationships

Inhibitors:

• Objections by France and Germany
  
• Irreconcilable differences in legal systems
  
• Cultural and religious differences
  
• Economic uncertainty
  

Paradigms:

Globalization versus regionalization
A nation state as a piece of land versus a nation state as group of people

Timing:

Discussion have already begun. Membership could occur in the next 10 years.