détente dynamics: a neoclassical realist perspective on eu foreign policy in the mena region

In the post-2020 security environment of the middle east and north africa (mena) region, marked by the easing of iranian-saudi tensions, intra-sunni reconciliation, the resolution of the qatar blockade, and the signing of the abraham accords, the european union (eu) sought to capitalize on the détente to advance its strategic interests. compared to the other members of the so-called western camp, the eu, which appears particularly vulnerable to its neighbouring region’s instability, responded poorly to the emerging challenges and opportunities. which factors explain the inefficiency of the eu to benefit from a permissive strategic environment and become more impactful in its broader neighbourhood? this article attempts to promote our understanding of eu’s foreign policy towards the mena region through a neoclassical realist theoretical approach. structural changes alone cannot explain the eu’s failure to have a more prominent role in the region. intervening variables, such as the role of institutions, state-society relations, and strategic culture, can shed light on the lack of policy cohesiveness and the overall inability of the eu to promote its influence abroad.