1 ‘The EU as an Actor in Conflict Resolution: Out of its Depth?’

like to thank Karl Cordell and Ana Juncos for commenting on the manuscript. The EU has developed a wide range of external relations competences in recent years. One facet of the EU as an international actor that has received less attention from analysts is the EU’s capacity in the area of conflict resolution. Contributing to the settlement and resolution of conflict requires skills in mediation and peacebuilding. The EU has an impressive external relations toolbox, but it remains to be seen if it can apply its assets in a coherent and effective way. This paper presents a case study of EU conflict resolution in the conflicts of the South Caucasus. Without the leverage of membership, can the EU contribute to the resolution of these ‘frozen ’ conflicts? The paper concludes that the EU lacks expertise in this important foreign policy area, and argues for a more focused, and comprehensive EU approach to the conflicts in the South Caucasus region