Grand Theories of European Integration

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of grand theories of EU integration?

  • Determining which actors benefit the most from specific EU policy decisions.
  • Analyzing the negotiating strategies of individual member states in EU council meetings.
  • Explaining specific outcomes of individual decision-making processes within the EU.
  • Defining the overall state of EU integration and providing a broad understanding of the integration process. (correct)

According to neofunctionalism, how does cooperation in one policy area typically affect cooperation in other areas?

  • It results in the creation of entirely new international organizations for each policy area.
  • It often triggers further cooperation in related areas through a spillover effect. (correct)
  • It leads to decreased cooperation in other areas due to resource competition.
  • It has no effect on cooperation in other areas.

What is the 'spillover' effect, as described in neofunctionalist theory?

  • The expansion of EU membership to include more countries.
  • The decrease in importance of national interests within the EU.
  • The delegation of powers from national governments to supranational institutions.
  • The tendency for cooperation in one area to create pressures for cooperation in additional areas. (correct)

Which of the following is a key element that enables the process of spillover, according to neofunctionalist theory?

<p>The presence of strong supranational institutions and active interest groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the criticisms against neofunctionalism?

<p>It struggles to explain periods of stagnation or reversal in EU integration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do intergovernmental theories, in contrast to neofunctionalism, view the role of member states in EU integration?

<p>Member states are the primary actors, driving integration based on their interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to intergovernmentalism, which types of integration are considered most significant?

<p>Treaty changes, core state interests, and handling major crises. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From a neofunctionalist perspective, what would be the most likely outcome of increased cooperation in environmental policy among EU member states?

<p>Increased pressure for cooperation in related areas, such as energy or transportation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical perspective would emphasize the impact of shared norms and values on EU integration?

<p>Sociological Institutionalism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary difference between rational choice institutionalism and sociological institutionalism?

<p>Rational choice institutionalism assumes actors are primarily driven by self-interest, while sociological institutionalism considers the influence of social norms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory would best explain the creation of the European Central Bank (ECB) as a result of strategic bargaining between member states seeking monetary stability?

<p>Liberal Intergovernmentalism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples would best support the neofunctionalist concept of spillover?

<p>The establishment of a single market leading to the need for harmonized regulations in product safety. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might sociological institutionalism explain the European Union's commitment to human rights?

<p>As a reflection of shared European values and norms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would pose the greatest challenge to neofunctionalist theory?

<p>The rise of nationalist movements prioritizing national sovereignty over EU integration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does rational choice institutionalism view institutions?

<p>As structures that actors strategically use to achieve their goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would an intergovernmentalist explain the expansion of EU powers over time?

<p>As a series of calculated decisions by member states to advance their interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neofunctionalism emphasizes the role of supranational actors. Which of the following is the best example of a supranational actor in the EU context?

<p>The European Commission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that EU integration is driven by the pursuit of efficiency and problem-solving at a European level?

<p>Neofunctionalism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a state opposes further EU integration, which theory would best explain its position as being motivated by the protection of its national sovereignty and interests?

<p>Intergovernmentalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does sociological institutionalism differ from rational choice institutionalism in explaining institutional change within the EU?

<p>Sociological institutionalism emphasizes the role of shared beliefs and norms, while rational choice institutionalism emphasizes strategic calculation and self-interest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Grand Theories of EU Integration

Proposes the general state of EU integration and explains EU integration as a whole.

Integration

Increase in cooperation between states, facilitated by supranational institutions.

Neo-Functionalism

Cooperation in one area leads to cooperation in another, facilitated by spillover.

Spillover

The mechanism where cooperation in one area triggers more cooperation in another.

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Evidence For Neo-Functionalism

Integration increases over time through many small decisions and regulations.

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Evidence Against Neo-Functionalism

Integration can experience setbacks and is not always a smooth process.

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Study Notes

  • Grand theories of European integration aim to define the general state of EU integration and explain the big picture, but do not explain specific decision-making outcomes or negotiation dynamics.

Integration

  • Integration involves increased cooperation between states and the establishment of supranational institutions, though the emphasis varies across theories.
  • (Neo-)Functionalism focuses on the total set of policies and institutions.
  • Intergovernmentalism prioritizes treaty changes, core state interests, and the handling of major events/crises.

(Neo-)Functionalism

  • Functionalism, as proposed by David Mitrany, suggests creating specific international organizations for specific functions.
  • Ernst Haas argued that this process would undermine the role of the state, which he believed was already happening due to the ECSC.

Core Concept

  • Cooperation in one area leads to cooperation in another, driven by the causal mechanism of spillover.
  • Cooperation works better with cooperation in other areas, triggering a cycle of increasing cooperation.

How and Why

  • Political systems are fragmented, with various groups influencing decision-making to maximize their success.
  • These groups include interest groups and member states.
  • Institutions (rules, organizations) enable this process, allowing supranational organizations to develop autonomy.

Evidence

  • Integration mostly increases over time, supported by the growth of EU policy through numerous small decisions without evidence of deregulation.
  • Integration hiccups and events like Brexit provide counter-evidence, although the UK's potential continued interest in the single market complicates this.

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