From Mere Presence to “Actorness” in International Affairs

Abstract

The European Union (EU), with its 504 million citizens, forms one of the largest markets worldwide accounting for approximately 25% of the world economy. Its (global) role, to a large extent, has been based on its ability to act as a standard-setter through the promotion of its normative foundations, such as democracy and human rights, liberal-market economies, and multilateral governance, making it one of the major development assistance donors. The actual performance of the EU presents an ambiguous assessment of the EU’s “actorness.” [from the introduction]

Keywords

• European Union
• Actorness