Publication

In this paper the author contrasts how two different approaches, namely rationalism and social constructivism would analyze EU security policy. The paper starts with a short presentation of the meta-theoretical foundation of these approaches. The second part discusses how each views the conditions for multilateral cooperation and security. In the third part, these perspectives on EU security policy are discussed and empirical data that support each of them is presented. The paper ends with a discussion concerning whether these approaches must be seen as being alternative or complementary approaches.