Introduction: Europe’s Secretary of (No) State

This introductory chapter makes the case for an in-depth analysis of the leadership activities of the High Representative/Vice-President of the Union (HRVP) over the last 15 years. The period under investigation was subject to major structural changes in international relations, which raises the question of how the various HRVPs adjusted to the changing circumstances over time. The chapter makes the case to study the HRVP from the perspective of role theory to gain insights into how the office-holders interpreted their position and used their time in office to shape foreign policy outcomes.