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Author(s)
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Dörte
Dinger
ddinger@gsss.uni-bremen.de
BREMEN, Universität
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Abstract
When talking about perceptions and foreign policy, bilateral relations seem to be ideal proving ground. As SAUNDERS puts it aptly, “We begin to understand the relationship only when we understand ways in which each may perceive itself in contrast to another” (1993:13). In my paper I argue that in order to understand ongoing changes in bilateral relations, perceptions of the partners have to be integrated into the analysis. They consist of how decision-makers in both countries perceive their own role, their respective partner and their togetherness. In other words, it is about constructions both partners attach to the relationship. These constructions establish some kind of ideational framework in which concrete interaction takes place. Based on the German-Italian empirical case, the paper wants to put forward a systematic approach to analyse partner perceptions in bilateral relations: where to look for them, and, more crucial, how to relate them to concrete bilateral interaction. Empirically, theoretical considerations will be applied to a comparison of Italian and German partner perceptions during the EC’s Southern Enlargement in the 1980s and the EU’s Eastern Enlargement in the 1990’s/2000’s. It will be shown that on the basis of partner perception’s comparison a sound statement on ongoing changes within the bilateral relationship of Italy and Germany can be made.
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