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European Union (EU)-Middle East relations are of critical importance to policy-makers, and this case study shows how Professor Richard Youngs' research has changed perspectives and practices among EU elites, informed debates among practitioner groups and shaped public debate about democracy promotion and human rights. As both Professor of Politics at Warwick and Director General of the Madrid-based think-tank FRIDE, Youngs' research findings have challenged conventional wisdom on: the prospects for democratisation in the Arab world; the identities of Islamist interlocutors; and the efficacy of civil society support. The influence of Youngs' research can be observed directly through the numerous commissions he has received from the European Parliament and the uptake of his subsequent reports among key stakeholders.
This case-study is based upon research by Prof Michael Dougan and Dr Michael Gordon (both members of the Liverpool European Law Unit) undertaken between 2008 and 2013. That work critically assesses a series of interlinked EU constitutional reforms, and their impact upon the EU's relationship to its Member States, with particular reference to the UK experience: first, the interpretation and implementation of the Lisbon Treaty 2007; secondly, the design and implications of the European Union Act 2011; thirdly, Britain's legal and political reception of the 2012 "Fiscal Compact" Treaty. The research's principal impacts have occurred within the period 1 January 2008 to 31 July 2013. They consist in providing a wide range of high-level institutional actors (including the European Court of Justice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the House of Commons) with an objective and thorough critical evaluation of those major constitutional developments, so as directly to inform and assist their policy deliberations (including specific recommendations based directly on the research) on issues of fundamental importance to the future interests of the EU and the UK.
(1) European Commission officials and humanitarian aid agency representatives based their discussion of European Union (EU) and humanitarian policy options in Syria and their ultimate recommendations to United Nations officials in Geneva on the findings of a policy options paper prepared by Professor Rosemary Hollis of City University London. In addition, senior UK military planners incorporated Hollis's findings in contingency planning in April 2012 and April 2013 following her invited participation in brainstorming sessions.
(2) Hollis's research findings expanded UK-Turkish dialogue and contributed to the success of a key forum (Tatlidil, Istanbul, October 2012) aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
(3) The 2013 Foreign Policy Report of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) on the `Balance of Competences' between the UK and the EU was substantiated with evidence from her research.
(4) Her research informed and shaped media coverage and civil society debate about Arab uprisings during the period 2009-2012.
The global financial crisis led the European Union (EU) to diversify its sources for the EU Budget, including co-financing instruments with multilateral development banks. Dr Robinson's research addressed key concerns about financial risk and the lack of transparency created through such partnerships. His research has been recognised as improving the understanding of these complex instruments within EU institutions and its impact may be measured through the implementation of several of its key recommendations. These include the creation of the `EBRD Representative for EU affairs' within a participating bank, the acceleration of EU co-financing strategy, and the unprecedented action of the EU Court of Auditors including the banks in their auditing process.
Professor Martin Dangerfield's research has focused on subregional cooperation in post-Cold War Europe with special emphasis on interactions with broader European integration processes. Its significance was acknowledged by policy-making communities at national, subregional and EU level. Dangerfield was appointed to advisory roles in events that both debated and informed public policy and enhanced public awareness. These concerned multilateral foreign policy cooperation of new EU members, namely the Visegrad Group (VG), and conception, design and implementation of a major EU initiative — the `Macro-Regional Strategy'. Dangerfield's work has also been cited widely in relevant non-academic publications produced for policy analysis and to deliver recommendations.
The Middle East Centre (MEC) has achieved a unique standing in providing informed analysis of the region, based on its cumulative academic expertise. It has made significant contributions to the media's and the public's understanding of political and societal developments in the Middle East. The MEC has given advice both to emerging Arab democracies on their own political systems, and to other governments on their relations with the countries of the region. The centre itself has also become a place of neutral ground, where individuals from opposite sides in conflicts in the region can meet, away from local tensions.
This case study focuses on the development of the European Union (EU) as a global political/security actor, particularly regarding the dynamic relationship between institution-building, strategic thinking, and policy performance. The impact involves the influence of Professor Michael E. Smith's research on EU foreign/security policy on current policy debates about the EU's future as a global actor, and on the broader issue of the EU's purpose in world politics. The EU is currently considering ideas about how to reform its ambitions in this area in light of the 2009 Treaty of Lisbon, providing a major opportunity for Smith's work to have an impact.
Research on participation in governance and related policy instruments, with a particular focus on interest organisations and groups, with strategic orientation of research publications towards impact, and evidence of use at the highest level in public policy reviews and public discourse/debate, as well as deliberations of advocacy groups.
This case study examines the impact of research relating to the conceptual foundations of democracy promotion on thought and practice of the relevant practitioner communities. Practitioners affected include: officials, desk officers, policy drafters, and implementers of democracy promotion in governmental organisations and international organisations; consultants involved in democracy promotion; and members of non-governmental organisations involved in delivery and planning of democracy promotion. The impact has been primarily on enhanced awareness among practitioners of the multiple meanings of democracy; on the capacity of practitioners to identify and reflect on conceptual underpinnings of their work; and on the thought frameworks relating to practitioners' work. Additional impacts on behavioural practices have also been generated.
Research by Dr Andrew Wilson underpinned the development of policy planning and advocacy which shaped European Union (EU) policy towards Russia and the six countries of the Eastern Partnership. The recommendation to send high level policy advisors to Moldova, based on Wilson's research, was adopted by the EU's Eastern Partnership in 2009. Wilson's research and policy recommendations also underpinned the EU's response to a 2010 crackdown in Belarus and to worsening relations with Ukraine in 2011-12. Finally, Wilson's research on democracy in post-Soviet countries led the election monitors of the OSCE to reshape their monitoring strategy in Ukraine.