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Explaining External Perceptions: The EU and China in African Public Opinion

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  • Floor Keuleers

Abstract

While the past decade has seen a remarkable growth in research on external perceptions of the EU, this literature remains characterized by three important gaps: highly uneven geographical coverage, lack of comparisons between the EU and other actors, and a near-exclusive focus on description to the detriment of explanation. This article introduces a novel explanatory framework for perceptions research and applies this to popular perceptions of the EU and China in 19 Sub-Saharan African countries, shedding light on a neglected dimension of the ‘traditional’ versus ‘emerging donors’ debate. It finds, first, that China has quickly succeeded in becoming more well-known among African populations than the EU. Second, popular perceptions do not reflect the antagonism pervading the discourse on ‘emerging donors’, with both the EU and China enjoying broad-based popular support. Finally, preferences are a function primarily of individual experiences and outlooks, refuting earlier claims on the importance of national-level factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Floor Keuleers, 2015. "Explaining External Perceptions: The EU and China in African Public Opinion," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(4), pages 803-821, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:53:y:2015:i:4:p:803-821
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/jcms.12231
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Henrik Larsen, 2014. "The EU as a Normative Power and the Research on External Perceptions: The Missing Link," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(4), pages 896-910, July.
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    3. Jonathan Holslag, 2011. "China’s Evolving Behaviour in Africa and the Options of Cooperation with Europe," Journal of Current Chinese Affairs - China aktuell, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 40(4), pages 3-16.
    4. World Bank, 2014. "World Development Indicators 2014," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 18237.
    5. Diarmuid Torney, 2014. "External Perceptions and EU Foreign Policy Effectiveness: The Case of Climate Change," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(6), pages 1358-1373, November.
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