This thesis is an attempt to analyse, in legal terms, the theory and implementation in practice of an "ethical foreign policy" by the European Union. It focuses on relations between the Union and certain developing States. The thesis is primarily composed of two distinct substantive parts. The first substantive part is composed of two chapters. This part firstly investigates which international legal rules authorise or oblige the Union, the European Community or the Member States to promote certain values in third States or in certain circumstances take action. It further examines the legal limits which under international law constrain such policies. It then goes on to examine policy and practice from a Union/Community law perspective. Here the thesis analyses: the relationship between the Union and Community pillars; the instruments available to the Union and Community in the pursuance of foreign policy objectives; and the scope of the Community and Union's competence in implementing an ethical foreign policy. The second substantive part of thesis examines practice. It analyses the importance attached to ethical values and their relationship with other priorities and objectives. Chapter Four examines relations with Myanmar, Nigeria and Pakistan. Chapter Five looks at relations with the Palestinian Authority and Israel in the overall context of the Middle East Peace Process. Chapter Six examines the Union's policy of humanitarian and emergency aid. The thesis finally attempts to draw some conclusions, as to the efficacy of the policies and instruments utilised and the approaches adopted in practice. It is argued that the Union should concentrate its efforts on certain specific rights and territories and abandon the all-encompassing policy it is currently attempting to implement
