Theories about integration and enlargement Lecture 2 Explaining

Theories about integration and enlargement Lecture 2

Explaining enlargement NOT integration theories, or? Answering the question: “Why does the EU enlarge? ” The decision, not the process NATO? Two main explanations: Rationalism (Liberal Intergovernmentalism) Constructivism Also: Rhetorical action Institutionalist explanations

Rational model of enlargement Assumptions: I. P is about interaction between self-interested actors in an essentially anarchic environment There is no higher power High risk for conflict IOs reduce the risk for conflict through cooperation, information sharing and dialogue IOs are never more than the sum of its members IOs are never actors themselves MS preferences are determined by expected costs and benefits IOs enlarges if benefits exceeds the costs

Liberal intergovernmentalism I Based on rationalist assumptions Andrew Moravcsik National interests are shaped by domestic politics (not fixed preferences) and the relative position in the international system (liberal component) Those close to the CEE hold a higher interest in enlargement Trade, subsidies, security, geopolitics, etc shape national interests on enlargement

Liberal Intergovernmentalism II National interests are battled out in a “bargaining game”, where: 1) it is a voluntary situation 2) decisions are taken by unanimity (possibility for veto) 3) it is an information rich setting: rules, procedures and the position of others are clear 4) Low transaction costs Theory developed for high level bargaining and decision making, NOT every day decision making At the moment of decision, all the negotiations are already done

Constructivist model of enlargement I Identities, preferences and domestic interests are socially constructed Institutions are more than the sum of its members IOs affect the identity of actors (member states) IOs are actors in themselves, with their own interests Social identities, values and norms rather than material distribution and bargaining Institutions are built on identification and sharing of values

Constructivist model of enlargement II EU is based on the idea of peace and democracy: The EU enlarges to: Democracy: sharing the democratic values Peace and security: creating a sense of common identity 1) incorporate countries who share these values 2) to spread these values Not a process of bargaining, but of arguing Focus on the decision, not necessarily the process

Constructivist model of enlargement III The more an external state identifies with the international community that the organisation represents and the more it shares the values and norms that define the purpose and the policies of the organisation, the stronger the institutional ties it seeks with this organisation and the more the member states are willing to pursue horizontal institutionalisation with this state

Rhetorical action A way to conciliate the two perspectives: why did not some countries veto enlargement? Actors adhere to norms they perhaps have not internalised Spreading peace and democracy cannot be vetoed: shaming: Founding “myth” of the EU: all European states in peace with each other European identity Accession criteria Exposing inconsistencies

(Historical) Institutionalism Focuses on the process, not the decision Takes “the past” into consideration: Decisions Actions Other connected policies Studies the bureaucracy rather than the diplomatic negotiations and argumentations Argues that the decision was in effect taken when the door to membership was opened