The European Union’s leadership in the eyes of others at the UN Human Rights Council

Abstract

ABSTRACT The policy documents of the European Union underline its self-image as a leader in promoting and protecting human rights in multilateral fora. The leadership claims are based on the EU’s example in domestic human rights protection and willingness to promote externally the same set of values and norms. However, drawing on interactionist role theory, this article emphasises the extent to which the roles depend on recognition by others. Hence, leadership claims need acceptance from other stakeholders. The article studies external perceptions of EU’s leadership in the Human Rights Council framework using data from interviews of Geneva-based, non-EU diplomats and human rights experts. The findings present a variable picture; while structural and exemplary leadership is recognised, incoherencies diminish EU’s credibility. The EU has improved its cognitive leadership, but its agenda is contested by others. Finally, the EU has negotiation capacities, but its strategy does not always optimally support the leadership ambitions.