ABSTRACT
This early period in foreign policy co-operation must be seen in the broader context of European integration. From a very early stage in the development of the European Communities, the ambition to establish a political identity existed. Initially, the policy distinction between foreign and security policy co-operation and European integration was repeatedly underscored. The unique nature and evolution of European foreign and security policy gives rise to two crucial questions: 'what are we studying?' and "where do we seek our explanations?'. These questions may be asked of the study of any phenomenon in international relations. Agents now operate within different levels of structure, some of which may be changed more easily by their actions than others. Systemic theories have been relatively poor ground for an understanding of European foreign and security policy. A number of theoretical models also exist which focus upon explaining the sources of foreign policy at the state level.
