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In this article, we investigate the function of strategic partnerships as a new type of state interaction in the international system. We are primarily interested in the dynamics of strategic partnerships and to that aim we analyze the competitive role-playing that occurs in the EU-China Strategic Partnership. We contend that EU and China engage in competitive role-playing in order to enhance their position and status as global actors and to seek recognition of their international roles. The interaction between the EU and China is analyzed throughout four periods in which their role conceptions have undergone change and adaptation. The article claims to make a theoretical contribution by developing the understanding of social interaction in the international system by conceptualizing strategic partnerships as arenas (structures) in which international roles play out, and an empirical contribution by tracing the complexities of the EU-China Strategic Partnership by utilizing role theory's conceptual apparatus.

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Various crises have plagued the EU's foreign policy over the last decade. As some member states increasingly question the founding principles of the EU, it is reasonable to expect that national representatives serving in preparatory bodies in the EU are forced to operate under stricter instructions from their capitals. Nevertheless, strong adherence to the coordination reflex and problem‐solving ethos is still prevalent within the political and security committee (PSC), the main policy coordination body within EU foreign policy. In order to understand this counterintuitive puzzle we conducted interviews with 20 PSC representatives. We found that national representatives primarily internalize and adhere to the rules and practices at the level of the group (procedural norms) rather than the founding principles of the EU (constitutive norms). Contrary to existing research, we argue that a theoretical distinction between these norms is necessary in order to understand fully how crises and contestation affect microlevel socialization.

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness is an important systemic consequence in adults with cystic fibrosis, but it can be challenging to evaluate clinically. This study examined the validity of lowerextremity functional tests to assess quadriceps muscle strength and muscle power. METHODS: The subjects underwent 4 functional tests: 30-s sit-to-stand test, stair-climb power test, vertical jump height, and triple hop distance. Quadriceps muscle strength and power were tested by using a dynamometer (the accepted standard). Quadriceps strength was measured from 5 maximum voluntary isometric contractions to obtain peak torque. Quadriceps power was evaluated from the peak power and peak velocity attained during isotonic contractions of the quadriceps at a preset load of 20% of the peak torque. Pearson correlations were used to determine associations between functional tests and accepted measures of quadriceps strength and power. RESULTS: Fifteen adults with cystic fibrosis (9 males; mean ؎ SD age, 32 ؎ 13 y; mean ؎ SD FEV 1 % predicted, 73 ؎ 19) completed the study. The stair-climb power test had the strongest correlations with peak torque (r ‫؍‬ 0.84, P < .001) and power (r ‫؍‬ 0.65, P ‫؍‬ .009). Vertical jump height was moderately correlated with quadriceps strength (r ‫؍‬ 0.62, P ‫؍‬ .014) and quadriceps peak power (r ‫؍‬ 0.51, P ‫؍‬ .048). Similarly, triple hop distance had moderate correlations with quadriceps strength (r ‫؍‬ 0.78, P ‫؍‬ .001) and peak power (r ‫؍‬ 0.57, P ‫؍‬ .026). The sit-to-stand test was only associated with quadriceps strength (r ‫؍‬ 0.55, P ‫؍‬ .034). CONCLUSIONS: Functional tests can be applied clinically to measure leg muscle strength and power, with the stair-climb power test having the strongest associations with the standard measures. The utility of using functional tests to evaluate longitudinal changes in muscle function and its association with clinical outcomes should be examined in cystic fibrosis.