Understanding European Neighbourhood Policies: Concepts, Actors, Perception

The European Union and its Member States have developed a complex web of policies towards the countries and regions in the EU's immediate and wider neighborhood. In the wake of the upheavals in the Arab world, these policies have been increasingly brought into question. A reassessment of European neighborhood policies requires a comprehensive understanding of their making, implementation, and effectiveness. This book provides a multi-perspective analysis of European policies towards the regions in the EU's vicinity, including North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf region, as well as the Balkans, Russia, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Special attention is given to the various actors in the European policy-making process and their often diverging perceptions of the neighboring regions. The book also examines the interaction processes, such as Europeanization, that are occurring among Member States, EU institutions, and target countries. Furthermore, it offers a critical review and further development of analytical concepts in order to comprehend the both fragmented and interwoven character of European neighborhood policies. (Series: Munchner Beitrage zur europaischen Einigung - Vol. 22