ABSTRACT
This chapter exposes the internal processes within two epistemic communities of diplomats. Two major groups of diplomats, in particular, have been crucial in crafting a new European security space on behalf of member states: the Committee of Permanent Representatives II (Coreper) and the Political and Security Committee (PSC). The chapter examines Coreper and PSC, highlighting the key characteristics of their composition, internal diplomatic practices, and ability to influence EU security policy. It is important to note that epistemic communities rarely encompass an entire discipline or profession, because the actors that make up each epistemic community must be able to share causal beliefs and policy goals. Coreper is an epistemic community that is able to push for small measures, along a vision of where integration is ultimately going over the longer term. Both committees function as epistemic communities, although Coreper is relatively more cohesive than PSC.
