Definition
The capacity of a state or political bloc to formulate and implement strategic choices without excessive constraints imposed by external dependencies or coercion.
TERMINOLOGY NOTE
Distinction: strategic autonomy need not mean autarky or leaving alliances; it concerns credible independent decision-making capacity.
Theoretical Context
Strategic autonomy in EU debates encompasses security, defence, technology, energy and industrial resilience. It does not necessarily require autarky or abandoning alliances. Its central question is whether dependence on others unduly constrains the ability to act.