Studying Foreign Policy Leadership and the Role of the EU High Representative

Leadership in the EU’s foreign and security policy is a complex phenomenon involving various actors engaged in decision-making and strategic planning across several institutions. While the Lisbon treaty placed the High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission (HRVP) at the centre of the political processes, the treaties gave little direction on how the position should be implemented. This chapter provides a conceptual framework based on role theory to study how the HRVP meets the leadership demands in the EU’s foreign and security policy. Based on two dimensions—managerial versus transformational leadership and policy versus politics focus—the HRVP can opt to concentrate on different leadership needs. Successful leadership depends on whether the HRVP fulfils the various expectations placed on the office in Brussels and member state capitals. Rather than focusing on power and influence, a study of leadership based on social theories puts the emphasis on the dynamic relationship between leaders and followers. A skilful leader will be able to adapt to competing and shifting demands in the system.