ABSTRACT
In recent years ‘there have been greater attempts at understanding the role of identity politics in determining national enthusiasm for a country’s participation in European integration’ (Miles 2005a:24). This book suggests that when analysing the (EU-)attitudes and (foreign policy) behaviours of the national elite, not only the interests and preferences but also the identity questions must be taken into account. This argument is based on the understanding that foreign policy choices are not calculated solely on material interests, but shaped by the ideas, identities and perceptions of the self and the European Union. This chapter aims to provide an analysis of the main concepts of this research: structure, ideas, identity, interests, actors and their role on the foreign policy practices.
