European Union Communication: A Contradiction of Strategy
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Hansen, Lucus M.
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Anderson, Stephanie
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
University of Wyoming
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2019
GENERAL NOTES
Text of Note
96 p.
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
M.A.
Body granting the degree
University of Wyoming
Text preceding or following the note
2019
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is critical not in just terms of safety and security, but also in the EU's image and influence around the world. If the EU, which promotes itself as a peacemaker, cannot prevent Bosnia from slipping back into conflict, what kind of damage will the EU and its public diplomacy face? After examining EU foreign policy, communication policy, enlargement policy, and the critical role the systems play in the social and political state of Bosnia, the thesis demonstrates the EU is shying away from controlling the narrative in Bosnia. The EU maintains a passive approach to narrative control within the country due to a policy of domestic non-alignment. A strategy that dictates that the EU not take domestic sides on an issue, even if the issue is EU related. The policy of non-alignment directly contradicts EU enlargement communication strategy and policy. The shying away of controlling the narrative has both positives and negatives on potential EU enlargement and the future of Bosnia. Lastly, the passive approach to narrative control is resulting in apathetic EU social media engagement. Due to the EU's structure of speaking with one voice, the EU is limited in its ability to engage with social media.