Non-state actors and false dichotomies: reviewing IR/IPE approaches to European integration

Article abstract:

Many IR and IPE theories marginalise non-state actors in a manner inconsistent with their role in EU integration, governance, and policy-making. Yet multinational firms, NGOs, and advocacy networks are increasingly important players in today's global economy. This review article examines four theories/approaches that tend to ignore this development: neorealism, institutionalism, constructivism, and the critical school. To shed light on the literature's marginalisation of non-state actors, I identify three false dichotomies: (1) the international versus domestic, (2) the public versus private, and (3) the 'good' versus 'bad'. The article provides empirical evidence to demonstrate why these dichotomies must be transcended and discusses theoretical developments that better account for non-state actors. Finally, I recognise a fourth false dichotomy between the American IR/IPE theories and the European comparative, political economy, and governance approaches. Rather than adopting one approach over another, this paper suggests that both schools of thought can benefit from one another.