Becoming a geopolitical actor: the discursive construction of the European Union by European Commission during 2021–2023

Abstract

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, launched in February of 2022, has directed international relations and the European Union to a new era, inviting discussions about the EU’s identity and global role. Through resolute action among its member states, the EU has made significant strides in establishing itself as a prominent player in geopolitics. This geopolitical turn challenges established notions of the EU’s international identity as a “civilian” or “normative” power and, coinciding with a “militarization” of the EU, the idea of European integration as a peace project. Against this backdrop, the aim of this thesis is to find out if and how the war has impacted the discursive geopolitical turn of EU’s identity. It specifically explores the construction of the EU’s international identity and, more specifically, whether it has reinforced the geopolitical turn. As academic literature demonstrates, identity is a dynamic construct that is continuously modified by speech and interaction rather than a static trait. Discursive activities, such as the re-articulation of an identity in the context of a significant event or change in context, are crucial in forming and altering identity, serving as a potent instrument in identity studies, including the study of the EU’s international identity. Analyzing 267 political speeches by the Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, this study employs both corpus analysis and critical discourse analysis (CDA) to detect changes in the discourse from a time period of one year pre-war to one year into the war. The research reveals a strategic depiction of "self" (EU) as a bearer of democracy contrasted against the "other" (Russia and Belarus), framed as aggressors. The findings underscore a narrative shift from global concerns, as they were characteristic of the EU’s international identity, to themes of security, defence, and geopolitical dynamics, particularly emphasizing strengthened alliances, notably with the US, and a push towards strategic autonomy. This shift is marked by an increased focus on borders, military aspects and diplomatic relations. Together, these features and renewed emphasis on geopolitical identity markers suggest a strengthening of the geopolitical identity of the EU. Furthermore, the study discusses the implications of this re-articulation of the EU’s identity into a more geopolitical actor, suggesting that the discursive shifts triggered by the war catalyzed a more autonomous EU stance, diverging from its traditionally civilian-focused identity. With these findings, the thesis contributes to the broader discussion on how significant international events reshape identities and policy orientations, providing insights that are crucial for policymakers and scholars in understanding the evolving nature of the EU in the face of crises.