Reimagining Europe's Global Role: A Conversation with Prof. Nathalie Tocci

In an informative exchange with Diplomatist, Professor Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali and Professor of Practice at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe, reflects on Europe's evolving strategic identity in a world marked by shifting power equations and the growing resonance of the Global South. From the EU's pursuit of strategic autonomy and climate diplomacy to the urgent need for reforming multilateral institutions, Tocci offers a sharp, forward-looking perspective on how Europe must redefine its global role—balancing principles with pragmatism. She also shares her insights on the emerging contours of India—EU cooperation, the rise of multipolarity, and the role of think-tanks in navigating disruption and disinformation.

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You have often written about Europe's strategic identity in transition. As geopolitical pressures mount from Asia, Africa, and climate frontiers, what do you see as the new role Europe should play — not just as a balancing power, but as a reimaged global interlocutor?

In a world that has shifted away from US hegemony and unipolarity, Europe, and in particular the European Union, should ideally stand as a player in its own right. This would require it to foster internal unity in ways that reflect its constituting principles and interests, and pursue three sets of goals. First, Europe would need to work on its strategic autonomy, especially as regards its relationship with the US. This does not mean distancing itself from Washington but acquiring the capacity and mustering the political will to use this in ways that reflect European interests rather than being subordinate to the US. In short, working towards a more balanced partnership across the Atlantic. Second, and related, Europe must become better able to defend itself against Russia, which existentially threatens several European countries. It should do so without counting on the US. Third, Europe should learn to engage more actively with several other global partners, starting with China and India, as well as players from the Global South.

In your view, which multilateral institution (EU, UN, WTO, etc.) is most overdue for structural reform, and how might such reform reflect the voices of the Global South?