Bridging the Capability‐Expectations Gap: A Case Study of the CFSP Joint Action on South Africa

This article applies and responds to Hill's 1993 JCMS article on the expectations‐capability gap that exists in the conduct of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The case study of one of the first CFSP joint actions (South Africa) provides empirical data that suggest that any such gap can be minimized. While accepting Hill's general arguments, the case suggests that the CFSP can be effective and proactive.