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An engaging assessment of the theoretical debates on the EU´s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The contributions to this volume bring together sophisticated theoretical frameworks and extensive empirical research. Pluralistic in its approach, the volume emphasizes the role of conceptual diversity for better explaining the EU´s CSDP.

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Foreword; J.Solana Introduction: The Role of Theory in the Study of Common Security and Defence Policy; X.Kurowska Neorealism; A.Hyde-Price The Common Security and Defence Policy: Approaching Transgovernmentalism?; S.C.Hofmann CSDP: The Strategic Perspective; S.Biscop & P.M.Norheim-Martinsen The Social Constructivist Sensibility and CSDP Research; X.Kurowska & F.Kratochwil Sociological Institutionalism, Socialisation, and the Brussalisation of CSDP; F.Breuer Bricolage: A Sociological Approach to the Making of European Defence; F.Merand A Historical Materialist Approach to CSDP; I.Oikonomou Applying Foucault´s Toolkit to CSDP; M.Merlingen The Praxis of Romania´s Euro-Atlantic Security Field: A Bourdieu-Inspired Research Agenda; R.O.Csernatoni Conclusion: The Way Ahead for Research into CSDP; X.Kurowska & F.Breuer

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"This is a long overdue and most welcome injection of serious theoretical perspectives into the academic discussion of CSDP, a policy area which fits uneasily into mainstream theories of either international relations or European integration. This rising generation of scholars offers a variety of penetrating insights from neo-realism to post-structuralism, with a heavy emphasis on constructivism. The book breaks significant new theoretical ground and will prove invaluable to all serious scholars of European security and defence."

- Jolyon Howorth, Visiting Professor of Political Science at Yale, USA and Jean Monnet Professor of European Politics ad personam and Emeritus Professor of European Studies at the University of Bath, UK

´For many years, studies of EU security policies represented the ´poor neighbours´ of EU studies, generally under-theorised, often descriptive and prescriptive. This book marks an important step on the path towards mainstreaming scholarly investigation of these policies. It provides a comprehensive overview of the way several theories can enhance our understanding of the Union´s role in international security. Hence it has much to offer not only those interested in security related issues, but also students of European integration more broadly.´

- Anand Menon, Professor of West European Politics, University of Birmingham, UK

´A quantum leap in theorising the EU´s Common Security and Defence Policy. The editors have brought together some of the finest scholarship on European security. In its pluralist attitude towards the analysis of CSDP, this book establishes the parameters within which the academic debate on this issue will take place for the foreseeable future.´

- Thomas Diez, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of Tübingen, Germany

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