Description
This paper addresses a stringent omission in the role theory in foreign policy, that of operationalization of role change in foreign and security policy (FSP). Building on theoretical propositions from classical role theory research, I show that role change occurs differently than previously understood. Adding to the literature of role theory, this paper proposes a new and original typology of the role conception in foreign and security policy role adaptation, role transformation and role emulation. It argues that role conception in this domain depends on two key factors: 1) threat perception; 2) strategic objectives. In a second step, the article tests the explanatory power of this conceptual framework applying the case of UK security and foreign policy pre- and post-Brexit. Empirically, parliamentary debates, national strategic documents, speeches and other salient reports between the period 2010-2021 are employed for estimating the value of the two proposed factors. The article reveals a paradox of UK positionality towards Euro-Atlantic policy. Although there was no significant change in the threat perception, there was a substantial change in the strategic objectives. To account for these discrepancies, I argue that it was a strategy of compensation that pushed the UK to an asymmetric adjustment of its level of ambition. This was motivated by the desire to compensate for absolute and relative loses associated with the withdrawal from the EU. The findings add a theoretical distinction to role theory.
