Framing the EU Global Strategy

"Most essays on strategy are about what and why. Nathalie Tocci's book answers the political question: how to get a meaningful agreement among 28 countries? Its climax brings together the low politics of bureaucracy and the high politics of crisis. Read it if you want to understand the EU and its Global Strategy." (Sir Robert Cooper, Special Advisor at the European Commission) "Nathalie Tocci offers readers a unique behind-the-scenes look into the making of the 2016 EU Global Strategy. She brings in the fresh perspective of an 'outsider' in the process, as she serves as EU High Representative Federica Mogherini's special adviser but is also the deputy director of an Italian think tank, with an academic background. An invaluable contribution that enhances our understanding not only of the EU Global Strategy itself, but also of the current challenges facing the EU (including Brexit). This book should be of immense interest to scholars, students and practitioners of European foreign policy and international relations." (Professor Karen Smith, LSE, UK) "A very timely book. Nathalie Tocci is able to produce a scholarly book with the experience of having been close to the making of the EU global strategy. A must read to understand better what the EU could and should do in foreign and security policy in the period that it opens in front of us." (Javier Solana, ESADE, Spain)

This book tells the story of the EU Global Strategy (EUGS). This book reflects this hybrid nature: while written by and for scholars, it is not a classic scholarly work, but will appeal to anyone wishing to learn more about the EUGS and European foreign policy more broadly.

This book tells the story of the EU Global Strategy (EUGS). By reflecting back on the 2003 European Security Strategy, this book uncovers the background, the process, the content and the follow-up of the EUGS thirteen years later. By framing the EUGS in this broader context, this book is essential for anyone wishing to understand European foreign policy. The author, who drafted the EUGS on behalf of High Representative and Vice President of the Commission (HRVP) Federica Mogherini, uses the lens of the EUGS to provide a broader narrative of the EU and its functioning. Tocci’s hybrid role as a scholar and adviser has given her unique access to and knowledge of a wide range of complex structures and actors, all the while remaining sufficiently detached from official processes to retain an observer’s eye. This book reflects this hybrid nature: while written by and for scholars, it is not a classic scholarly work, but will appeal to anyone wishing to learn more about the EUGS and European foreign policy more broadly.