Theories of European Integration and the Premise of Policy Preference Convergence

Essay , 2015 , 7 Pages , Grade: 1.7

Business economics - Economic Policy

This essay assess the most important five integration theories with regard to the premise of policy preference convergence. While some describe the initial process as a convergence of of them, which culminates in an agreement of centralization, a parity of the theories in this area of social science doesn’t see a convergence as a necessary, nor as a satisfactory condition, inter alia the predominant theory of neofunctionalism. However, all theories agree upon the fact that an interest complementarity is conducive towards integration.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Assessment of theories of integration whether policy preference-convergence is a necessary condition for the process
  • Policy-preference-convergence theories
  • Non-Policy-preference-convergence theories
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the role of policy preference convergence in the process of European integration. It outlines five key theories of integration and analyzes whether they consider policy preference convergence as a necessary condition for the process. The essay explores the arguments of both proponents and opponents of the convergence thesis.

• Theories of European integration
• Policy preference convergence
• Intergovernmentalism
• Functionalism
• Neofunctionalism

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides an overview of the concept of European integration and its theoretical underpinnings. It highlights the importance of the Treaty of Rome and the ongoing process of integration within the European Union. The essay then delves into the assessment of theories of integration, examining whether policy preference convergence is a necessary condition for the process. This section explores both policy-preference-convergence theories and non-policy-preference-convergence theories. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the key findings and discusses the implications of the analysis.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this essay include European integration, policy preference convergence, intergovernmentalism, functionalism, neofunctionalism, Treaty of Rome, Lisbon Treaty, and the European Union. The essay examines the relationship between these concepts and their relevance to the process of integration.

• College: London School of Economics (European Institute)
• Grade: 1.7
• Author: Dominik Hueller (Author)
• Publication Year: 2015
• Pages: 7
• Catalog Number: V309187
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668077164
• ISBN (Book): 9783668077171
• Language: English
• Tags: European Studies, Political Economy, Integration Theories, Theories of Integration, LSE, Europe, EU, European affairs