Introduction: The EU as International Mediator – Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives

Abstract

AbstractIn this introductory article of the special issue, we examine European Union (EU) mediation practice and identify different conceptual and empirical perspectives from which it can be analyzed. We present different understandings of mediation in research and practice a definition and conceptual clarification ofEUmediation practice, and offer a definition that covers mediation efforts and mediation support activities. Then, the institutional architecture forEUmediation activities is presented. Next, the focus of this special issue is examined and research questions that have not yet been sufficiently addressed in existing research ofEUforeign policy and mediation are discussed. Based on these questions, we offer several fruitful avenues for studyingEUmediation: examining the drivers ofEUmediation,EUmediation roles and strategies, andEUmediation effectiveness. Finally, we provide an overview of the contributions to this special issue is presented.