European Integration in the Light of the International Relations Theories

Abstract

This article contends that most of the intellectual work on European integration reflect major dichotomies between the theories of International Relations. During the first few decades of the integration process, the core European integration debate involved idealism- oriented neo-functionalists and realism-oriented intergovernmentalist approaches; whereas the current scholarship on European integration mirrors the main division that has emerged within the discipline of International Relations since 1980's between rationalists regarding the integration process as the product of conscious member states' behaviour and constructivists focusing on policy-formation based on norms and common values. The main purpose of this article is to analyse the evolution of European integration within the context of the traditional and contemporary debates of International Relations. Since the sui generis nature of the integration process in the shape of the European Union constitutes a barrier to theorizing efforts in general terms, this article argues that each theory can only explain some pieces of the integration puzzle.

Keywords

European integration, European Union, Neo-functionalism, Intergovernmentalism

Citation

Akgül Açıkmeşe, Sinem, “European Integration in the Light of the International Relations Theories”, International Relations, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Spring 2004), pp. 1-32.

Affiliations

• Sinem Akgül Açıkmeşe, Research Assistant, Ankara University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of European Communities