Lenos, Angelos (2013) EU-GCC relationship : towards 'strategic partnership'. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the EU-GCC relationship and tests the hypothesis that if
the EU and the GCC states share interests and grand goals, to the extent that
these are prioritised by the EU and its member states, then value-driven
differences are subordinated to interests and as a result (i) the EU and the GCC
states enhance their relationship towards a “strategic partnership” and (ii) the
EU’s (self-) image as a foreign policy actor is weakened in terms of its normative
(self-)image and enhanced in terms of its effectiveness as a useful ‘strategic
partner’ in a multipolar and interdependent world.
In doing so, the thesis attempts to provide a comprehensive conceptualisation of
a ‘strategic partnership’ and to test it within the broader context of EU foreign
policy, exploring the role of interests, values and (self-)images in the shaping of
EFP. The framework of ‘strategic partnership’ is applied in two case studies of
economics and politics; the EU-GCC negotiations for establishing a Free Trade
Area and the cooperation of the EU and the GCC states in dealing with the
crises in Yemen.
The findings of the research suggest that the EU and the GCC states, to the
extent that they prioritise their common interests and respond to each other’s
(self-) images deriving from the current symmetrical power balance, are moving
towards a strategic partnership. Despite the wide gap in the value systems of
the parties, this factor has not been the most decisive for the development of
this relationship. This conclusion calls for further exploration of the shaping and
application of EFP, especially having in mind on one hand the ‘normative power’
argument and on the other hand the need of the EU to negotiate interests,
values and perceptions when dealing with emerging powers.
Regarding the concept of ‘strategic partnerships’ the research confirms the
central role of the symmetrical power balance between the parties and their
interdependency. It has identified a level of division of labour between the EU
and the GCC states regarding regional challenges and it has highlighted the role
of non state actors. It has also underlined the need for flexibility, questioning the
role of cohesiveness and institutionalisation of interactions as prerequisites for a
‘strategic partnership’.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management J Political Science > JZ International relations
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Strategic alliances (Business), Europe -- Foreign relations -- 1989-, Gulf Cooperation Council, European Union
Official Date:	July 2013
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Politics and International Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Christou, George, 1973-
Sponsors:	Cyprus
Extent:	1 volume (various pagings): charts.
Language:	eng

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