An analysis of EU actorness in the Middle East based on Bretherton & Vogler’s theoretical framework
Bretherton and Vogler have developed a theoretical framework for the analysis of EU global actorness which is based on three concepts (opportunity, presence and capability).See book: Bretherton, C., & Vogler, J. (2006) The European Union as a global actor, London: Routledge.
This research paper should include an assessment of EU actorness in the Middle East based on that framework. The paper should discuss the following questions:
– How can the role of the EU in the Middle East be qualified? What kind of actor is the EU (as compared to a super power like Russia)?
– How has securing energy needs been shaping EU action in the Middle East? How is the EU competing with Russia?
– What are the opportunities for EU actorness in the Middle East region (security, humanitarian, economic, energy etc)?
– Which tools/instrument has the EU to shape its actorness in the Middle East (economic, political, normative, security, etc.)
– What are the involved EU institutions? how is EU foreign policy shaped with EU member states?
– How is the EU’s humanitarian role shaped in the Middle East? What are the instruments for action? How is this linked with EU security?
– How could normative and self-interest objectives of the EU be reconciled and explained in general and in the Middle East in particular?
– How does the EU interact with sub-state or non-state actors in the Middle East? empirical evidence!
– What is the added-value of EU engagement with non-state actors?