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New Zealand Elite Perceptions on the EU: A Longitudinal Analysis

100%

Kelly S.

Baltic Journal of European Studies

2013

vol. 3

issue 3

153-174

Since the end of the cold war, the European Union’s (EU’s) global aspirations and capabilities have grown. This shift has seen the EU becoming an increasingly integral part of the international arena, both economically and politically. However, there has been a notable geopolitical shift in recent years towards the growing importance of Asia. New Zealand, geographically distant but traditionally culturally aligned with the EU, the nation that has traditionally enjoyed close economic, political and social relations with the EU but is increasingly focused on Asia, presents a unique perspective on this perceived realignment of power. This paper offers a unique perspective on the effectiveness of the EU’s international outreach. Using international relations’ ‘small state theory’ as an analytical tool, the paper draws on a series of longitudinal elite interviews conducted with New Zealand’s political, economic, civil society and media elites over a decade. The paper qualitatively and quantitatively assesses whether the EU remains perceived as a relevant, important global actor in the eyes of New Zealand’s elite. The paper makes a number of observations. Firstly, as a small state, New Zealand’s foreign policy focus has tended to be preoccupied with economics and this preoccupation has meant a notable shift away from Europe. Second, although over the course of the interviews negative discussions about the EU’s Common Agriculture Policy decreased, on the other hand there was increasingly less discussion about the EU’s potential and a more concerted discussion about the importance of Asia to the New Zealand’s economy and future. There are a number of reasons to account for this changing perception towards the EU,however, the internal friction currently facing the European Union and eurozone was consistently noted. Finally, although over time the interviewed elites believed that the EU’s importance is diminishing, this acknowledgement was often made with regret.

Challenging the EU’s Economic Roles? The Impact of the Eurozone Crisis on EU Images in China

88%

Lai S.-Y., Zhang L.

Baltic Journal of European Studies

2013

vol. 3

issue 3

13-36

Since the outbreak of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis, the economic balance between the traditional developed economies and the emerging ones has changed drastically, including that between the European Union and China. While the EU and its Member States are preoccupied by the eurozone debt crisis, stagnant economic growth and high domestic unemployment, China raised as the world’s second largest economy and one of the quickest growing consumer market. This paper explores the change in perception of the EU as an economic actor in the eyes of Chinese mainstream news media and national elites under such context. It argues that the strategic partnership could improve only if the two sides understand the mutual perception clearly. It is found that China has increased its leverage for bargaining vis-à-vis the EU as well as the capacity to give some help to the EU. Although the image of the EU as an economic powerhouse has been slightly weakened, it did not turn the heavily trade-oriented EU-China relations more comprehensive.

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2 Baltic Journal of European Studies

1 Kelly S.

1 Lai S.-Y.

1 Zhang L.

2 2013

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New Zealand Elite Perceptions on the EU: A Longitudinal Analysis

Challenging the EU’s Economic Roles? The Impact of the Eurozone Crisis on EU Images in China