Golden or gilded jubilee? A research agenda for actorness

Abstract:

This article explores, explains and challenges the state of the art of 'actorness', one of the most recognizable concepts in the study of the European Union (EU)’s international functioning. Covering 45 years of research (1970–2015), it examines the notion’s conceptual history, discusses its main findings, analyses its limitations and opportunities, and formulates suggestions for future work. It argues that the status quo can be seen through two opposing lenses – that of an optimist and that of a pessimist – and suggests two research shifts and specific recommendations to realize them in order to flip the notion’s upcoming 50th anniversary from gilded to golden.