The EU is not only pressured to review its CSDP as a result of threats it perceives coming from the South and the East, but also by the USA. In addition, the CSDP has been criticized by scholars...Show moreThe EU is not only pressured to review its CSDP as a result of threats it perceives coming from the South and the East, but also by the USA. In addition, the CSDP has been criticized by scholars for its ineffectiveness for various reasons. This thesis prioritizes the argument that the CSDP lacks effectiveness due to institutional defects. Furthermore, initiatives have been implemented as a result of the EUGS and the IPSD. These institutional constructs may influence the CSDP’s ineffectiveness. Within academic literature, however, research is lacking concerning the impact of the initiatives of the IPSD on the CSDP. Therefore, this thesis aims to answer the question of how the EU has addressed the criticisms concerning the CSDP. The theoretical foundation of this thesis is rational-choice institutionalism, and is conducted on the basis of a triangulated study. First of all, the correspondence between the EUGS and the IPSD has been examined. Thereafter, it has been researched how the IPSD addresses the scholarly criticisms concerning its institutional defects. It is concluded that with the implementation of the IPSD, the EU has not been able to address all the scholarly criticisms. The plan has addressed the criticisms concerning the lack of capacities, and also the ability to ensure compliance in generating resources. Furthermore, the issue concerning the absence of military headquarters has been addressed as well. Finally, it is argued that the initiatives may have created the opportunity to increase the CSDP’s effectiveness indirectly.Show less
