The question of how nations are to govern themselves in a globalized world is not a new one. Answering it demands wisdom and a clear grasp of history. In his recent book Statecraft, Dennis Ross suggests that a sense of style should be considered as well. Using his experience as a former United States’ envoy to the Middle East, Ross states that "In this sense, our ‘style,’ or public positioning and packaging, creates the context in which we deal with others and (how) they respond to us."

The bulk of Ross’s book laments the lack of style or statecraft that he believes he sees in the present administration of the United States. However, the noted peace negotiator provides a compelling definition for all governing authorities to consider as they face today’s challenging realities in current events and politics.

"As a former policy maker, I would describe statecraft as knowing how best to integrate and use every asset or military, diplomatic, intelligence, public, economic, or psychological tool we possess (or can manipulate) to meet our objectives. Statecraft involves influencing others—those who are already friendly and share our purposes, and those who do not. But statecraft requires more than orchestrating all the resources directly or indirectly at our disposal. It requires putting our means into a broader context of goals and capabilities."

When taken at face value, Ross’s definition provides a template for all nations to follow. There must be consideration (and understanding) of the common goals of the individuals who comprise a nation or group of nations. And these benchmarks need to be achieved after contemplating the shared values and resources that are fundamental to the interests of all. The packaging or style presents the public face of these interests as the nation sets out to exert its influence on the world stage.

Some feel that a lack of style is present in the newly signed treaty for the European Union. And serious questions and concerns about it have surfaced quickly after EU leaders signed the document in Lisbon on December 13, 2007.

The Treaty of Lisbon contains new rules for the EU that attempt to reform the course for a cooperative stability among the 27 member states. According to the EU Observer, the Lisbon Treaty is "designed to make the EU more effective on the world stage both by giving it a more coherent foreign policy and by allowing it to make decisions quickly."

The more than 175 pages of treaty text (English version) sets rules for all member states concerning immigration, employment, citizen’s rights, and common objectives such as addressing an energy policy and climate change. The major accomplishments include the establishment of a U.S.-style President for a two and a half-year renewable term, a foreign policy chief, a commission of finance ministers including a chairman, and a NATO-like mutual defense clause. Some have described the contents of the treaty as being similar to the failed European Constitution. However, they acknowledge that the treaty departs from the constitution by dropping the EU symbols such as the use of a flag, anthem and motto. They further acknowledge that there was an attempt to address some of the concerns that led to the constitution’s defeat in national referendums. (See Reuters article "Factbox: EU’s reform Treaty main points".)

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