Theories of European Integration

Dr. Alistair Shepherd

Lecture Outline

Theory & Integration Traditional theories

Federalism Neo-Functionalism Intergovernmentalism

New theories
Institutionalism Policy Networks

Conclusion

Theory & Integration

Theory
Three purposes: explain & understand; analyse & describe; normative guidance

Integration
Process: social and political Outcome

Integration Theory
Theorises the process and outcome of integration

Federalism

To over come causes of war Spinelli & radical federalism

Immediate shift of power

Monnet and functional federalism

Incremental shift based on functions

Federation
Constitutional entrenchment; sovereignty divided and shared

Neo-functionalism

Focused on process of integration Four key arguments

Complexity of state, interest groups not only domestic, importance non state actors & spillover

Spillover
Functional, political & cultivated

Role of interest groups Elite focus

Intergovernmentalism

Centrality of state in decision-making High & low politics Liberal intergovernmetalism

Domestic influence on policy position Bargaining at state level on policies

Institutional delegation Credible commitments

Institutionalism

Institutions matter shape policy Rational- choice

Actors self-interested, institutions formal legal entities, can shape interests

Historical
inertia; sequencing path dependency

Sociological
Norms & conventions also institutions; logic of appropriateness

Policy Networks

Wide ranging from very tight to very loose networks Generally policy shaping model Three levels of decision-making
Super-systemic, systemic, sub-systemic

Cluster of actors all with an interest Resource interdependence & exchange

Conclusion

Theories evolved over time, bottom up; top-down; trickle across No single theory can explain all developments in the EU Theory to help provide insights Theory way of organising thoughts More complex due to nature of EU