This article argues that interactionist role theory holds much potential for complementing the ontological security literature in the field of International Relations. Concretely, the article argues that an interactionist role theory perspective promises to supplement the ontological security literature in at least two significant respects. First, it allows for a better understanding of how an international actor’s (capacity to provide) ontological security is tied to its ability to realize its ‘self’ in society through the making and playing of roles (and the subsequent casting of others). Second, it emphasizes how reflective intelligence enables an international actor to address destabilizing disconnects between its ‘self’-image and societal role-play, and to develop a measure of ontological resilience (a capacity to constructively engage with – and to recover from – ontological security challenges). To illustrate this argument, the article provides a case study, which explores, from an interactionist role theory perspective, how the European Union’s ontological security has been strengthened, challenged and restored in its interaction with its Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood.

中文翻译：

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互动角色理论与本体安全研究相遇：探讨国际关系研究中社会心理学方法之间的协同作用

本文认为，互动主义角色理论在补充国际关系领域的本体论安全文献方面具有巨大潜力。具体而言，本文认为，交互作用角色理论的观点有望在至少两个重要方面补充本体论安全性文献。首先，它可以使人们更好地理解国际行为者（提供能力）的本体安全如何与其通过扮演和扮演角色（以及随后铸造他人）在社会上实现其“自我”的能力联系在一起。其次，它强调反思性情报如何使国际参与者解决其“自我”形象与社会角色扮演之间不稳定的脱节，并制定衡量本体弹性的措施（具有建设性地应对本体安全挑战并从中恢复的能力）。为了说明这一论点，本文提供了一个案例研究，从互动主义角色理论的角度探讨了欧盟在与南部和东部社区的互动中如何加强，挑战和恢复了欧盟的本体论安全。