European integration theory

Abstract:

This work seeks to provide an introduction to integration theory, its various approaches and how they have developed.

The book is constructed in three parts which address the three phases of integration. Part one 'Explaining European Integration' contains chapters on federalism, neofunctionalism and intergovernmentalism. Part two 'Analysing European Governance' looks at the EU as a political system and includes chapters examining the development of governance theory, the policy network, and the traditional institutionalism. Part three 'Constructing the European Union' addresses the more recent trends which emphasise the constructed dimension of European integration and governance, with chapters on social constructivism, legal integration or 'integration through law', discursive approaches, and gender perspectives .The closing chapter by the editors presents a comprehensive conclusion drawing on the earlier contributions and offering some signposts as to the way forward in what they see as a period of robust analysis and critical attention to the continuing process of European integration.

The book will interest scholars and students of European integration.

Antje Wiener holds a Chair in International Relations and a Jean Monnet Chair at the School of Politics and International Studies, Queen's University, Belfast.

Thomas Diez is Senior Lecturer in International Relations Theory at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham.