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European Union Normative Positions, Resilience and Contestation: A Perceptual Approach

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  • Natalia Chaban
  • Ole Elgström

Abstract

Positioned within a perceptual approach to European Union (EU) foreign policy, this article explores tensions relating to the resilience of the EU's normative identity, focusing on factors and explanations external to the EU. We engage with EU perceptions amongst external partners theorized as active agents/potential contributors to contestation processes. We focus on the perceived role of the EU as an international normative actor expected to mitigate the existential risks of climate change and pandemics for its own citizens and globally. We hypothesize two conditions for EU images to become less (or more) resilient in the face of contestation: (1) persistent contradictions leading to expectation–performance gaps as an initial condition and (2) situations of crisis, marked by perceptions of a watershed/historical event and strong emotions, that may amplify the expectation–performance gap. Empirically, we engage with the findings of the two major studies of EU external perceptions held by the EU's key global partners.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Chaban & Ole Elgström, 2026. "European Union Normative Positions, Resilience and Contestation: A Perceptual Approach," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(3), pages 1238-1255, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:64:y:2026:i:3:p:1238-1255
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.13665
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Natalia Chaban & Ole Elgström, 2021. "Politicization of EU Development Policy: The Role of EU External Perceptions (Case of Ukraine)," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 143-160, January.
    2. Ian Manners, 2002. "Normative Power Europe: A Contradiction in Terms?," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 235-258, June.
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