Theories of European integration

Book abstract:

This volume offers an authoritative and accessible analysis of the main conceptual and theoretical discussions generated by the study of the European Union. The author, Ben Rosamund, aims to provide an up-to-date cartography of theoretical work on European integration. He offers detailed appraisals of classical and contemporary theories of integration, from early theories of functionalism, federalism and transactionalism through the debates between intergovernmentalists and neofunctionalists, to the contemporary work of institutionalists, liberal intergovernmentalists, constructivists and adherents of the multi-level governance approach.

The book shows that any proper evaluation of theories is not possible without an understanding of the intellectual contexts within which particular theories arise. It also explores the respective claims of International Relations and Comparative Politics to offer the most appropriate disciplinary homeland for the study of the European Union.

The chapters are: Introduction; Federalism, functionalism and transactionalism; Neofunctionalism; Backlash, critique and contemplation; Theorizing the 'New Europe'; Intergovernmental Europe?; Europe and the world: contemporary international theory and European Integration; Integration theory and social science.

Ben Rosamund is Lecturer in Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick. He is co-author of 'Politics: an introduction' and between 1994 and 2000 was co-editor of 'Politics'.