University of Twente Student Theses
The future of EU – Russia relations : case study about the EU as defence actor
Schmitz, Jasmin (2017) The future of EU – Russia relations : case study about the EU as defence actor.
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| Abstract: | This research project aims at empirically testing which options are open to the EU to react to the perceived Russian threat through the use of the realist theory. The neoclassical realist paradigm will set this study’s theoretical framework because it evolves around concepts born in this paradigm - ‘balancing’ and ‘bandwagoning’. It is thereby presumed that the EU will either balance Russia’s rise in power by enhancing its defence towards a more unified defence policy, or that the EU will bandwagon by relieving to tension between itself and Russia. The research project is conducted in the context of the dissolution of the USSR and the development of EU-Russia relation thereafter. It will be observed in how far Russia is a possible ally or an opponent to the EU. This study is in set in a time-series design, as it will be explored at different points in time, from 1991 until 2017, how the perception of Russia as a threat to the EU changed. In order to gain sufficient insight into the behaviour of states when they are faced with threat, realist literature regarding similar circumstances will be viewed,as the literature about the EU ‘s bandwagoning and balancing behaviour is not yet very conclusive, several case studies about South East Asian nations reacting to the Chinese rise to power will be carefully considered. To further appropriately investigate the EU’s stand point, official documents and newspaper articles will be included as material for the analysis. This study is thereby trying to make educated predictions about the European future, aiming at outlining a clear pathway for its behaviour. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 89 political science |
| Programme: | Management Society and Technology BSc (56654) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/73020 |
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