A Foreign Policy Actor in the Making. Discursive Construction of the EU Self-image and Role(s) (1999-2009)

Abstract: Departing from the question of how the EU self-image and role conception have been constructed in 1999-2009, this study locates the analysis of the EU as a foreign policy (FP) actor within the constructivist framework of role theory combined with a discursive approach. Guided by the central assumption that identity and role conception can be analysed by studying language in the form of discourse, the study particularly aims to address the relationship between the EU’s self-image and role conception in FP and the extent of continuity and change within the EU’s official FP discourse. The analysis; of Presidency Conclusions of the European Council Meetings, two framework documents and ten speeches by key foreign policy-makers, conducted by a combination of the method of open coding and the analytical concepts borrowed from Laclau and Mouffe’s discursive approach shows that significant change has taken place within the discursive terrain. Along with an emergent role conception of the EU as protector against transnational challenges after the launch of ESS (2003), two concomitant changes have taken place; unravelling of the articulation between self-image and role conception and a stronger articulation of interests.