This volume examines external perceptions of the European Union (EU), as well as broader narratives of the EU as a diplomatic and security actor in conflicted societies.
The EU Global Strategy outlines the EU’s foreign policy priorities to engage more effectively with the EU’s neighbourhood. Ukraine, Israel and Palestine are currently embroiled in conflicts set in differing contexts which threaten the EU’s eastern and southern edges. It is critical that the EU understands the narratives and perceptions of the EU that circulate in these volatile strategic neighbours – neighbours who challenge Europe’s foreign policy and its security approaches in the region. The narratives and perceptions actors possess have a potential to influence their outlook and behaviour and thereby affect the EU’s external relations short- and long-term. This volume seeks to better understand the role of communication and perception in EU crisis diplomacy. Contributions to this volume take an interdisciplinary approach to widen the scope of studies on European security and evolving foreign policy and offer new avenues for further research into how citizens in the EU’s neighbourhood understand the security challenges they face and the role the EU plays in addressing these. Through this, the book aims to bring theoretical and methodological innovation to understanding the role of the EU as an external actor.