Reconceptualising EU Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World

Abstract

The second chapter introduces a new analytical framework for the study of the EU’s foreign policy in an emerging multipolar world. The framework draws attention to three different levels of EU foreign policy: bilateralism, multilateralism and trilateralism. Moreover, it draws on the concepts of EU foreign policy strategy, EU foreign policy instruments and policy responses by the EU’s partners. The EU’s foreign policy strategy is aimed at establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In order to reach a CSP, EU foreign policy relies on the instrument of engagement. The analytical framework distinguishes between two different types of engagement: transformative and reciprocal engagement. The responses of the EU’s strategic partners are analysed in relation to the choice of both policy instruments.