THE EUROPEAN UNION'S PROJECTION AS A GLOBAL ACTOR THROUGH ITS ACTIONS IN THE SAHEL: THE CASE STUDY OF MALI

Abstract

This article examines the European Union’s (EU) role as a global actor through its engagement in Mali. Drawing on a Politics, Military, Economic, Social, Information and Infrastructure (PMESII) spectrum analysis of Mali’s multidimensional crisis, it assesses the EU’s response via its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, strategic frameworks, and financial instruments. The study argues that the EU demonstrates significant capacity in comprehensive crisis management and multilateral coordination, thereby reinforcing its external identity. However, limitations related to political cohesion, local ownership, and structural instability constrain its overall effectiveness. The case of Mali illustrates both the potential and the challenges of the EU’s projection as a security actor in the international system.