Natalia Chaban, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair, Department of Media and Communication, University of Canterbury, New Zealand and Ole Elgström, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, Lund University, Sweden

'This contribution of Professors Chaban and Elgström enhances the understanding of International Relations from three different angles. First, the book provides an innovative theoretical framework to study the EU's self-visions and the EU's images around the world. Second, it provides a sound methodology to empirically assess how the EU's foreign policy is perceived by a critical Eastern European neighbor, Ukraine. Third, based on its theoretical and methodological innovations, this book opens new avenues for scholars and policymakers to explain and suggest how to close the gap between expectations and performance in foreign policy practices.'

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Theoretical innovations: synergizing role theory with insights from image and perception studies 3. Methodology 4. The EU as a global and regional power and leader 5. The EU as a bilateral partner 6. The EU as a mediator (with Michèle Knodt) 7. The EU as a public diplomacy actor 8. EU self-perceptions and images of its roles 9. Comparing perceptions of the EU 10. Conclusions: filling gaps in knowledge by theoretical synergy References Index

Natalia Chaban, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair, Department of Media and Communication, University of Canterbury, New Zealand and Ole Elgström, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, Lund University, Sweden

'This contribution of Professors Chaban and Elgström enhances the understanding of International Relations from three different angles. First, the book provides an innovative theoretical framework to study the EU's self-visions and the EU's images around the world. Second, it provides a sound methodology to empirically assess how the EU's foreign policy is perceived by a critical Eastern European neighbor, Ukraine. Third, based on its theoretical and methodological innovations, this book opens new avenues for scholars and policymakers to explain and suggest how to close the gap between expectations and performance in foreign policy practices.'

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Theoretical innovations: synergizing role theory with insights from image and perception studies 3. Methodology 4. The EU as a global and regional power and leader 5. The EU as a bilateral partner 6. The EU as a mediator (with Michèle Knodt) 7. The EU as a public diplomacy actor 8. EU self-perceptions and images of its roles 9. Comparing perceptions of the EU 10. Conclusions: filling gaps in knowledge by theoretical synergy References Index

Natalia Chaban, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair, Department of Media and Communication, University of Canterbury, New Zealand and Ole Elgström, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, Lund University, Sweden

'This contribution of Professors Chaban and Elgström enhances the understanding of International Relations from three different angles. First, the book provides an innovative theoretical framework to study the EU's self-visions and the EU's images around the world. Second, it provides a sound methodology to empirically assess how the EU's foreign policy is perceived by a critical Eastern European neighbor, Ukraine. Third, based on its theoretical and methodological innovations, this book opens new avenues for scholars and policymakers to explain and suggest how to close the gap between expectations and performance in foreign policy practices.'

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Theoretical innovations: synergizing role theory with insights from image and perception studies 3. Methodology 4. The EU as a global and regional power and leader 5. The EU as a bilateral partner 6. The EU as a mediator (with Michèle Knodt) 7. The EU as a public diplomacy actor 8. EU self-perceptions and images of its roles 9. Comparing perceptions of the EU 10. Conclusions: filling gaps in knowledge by theoretical synergy References Index