Theories of European Integration – Vocabulary Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, theories, and terms related to European integration as discussed in the lecture notes.

Political Metaphor

A figurative framework (e.g., politics as a game or theatre) used to simplify and interpret complex political processes.

Politics as a Game

A metaphor highlighting rules, competition for points (votes), bargaining, and strategic power-seeking among political actors.

Political Theatre

A metaphor emphasizing symbolic performances and public spectacle intended to signal power or commitment rather than to change policy outcomes directly.

Theory (in political science)

A structured model that selects key factors, explains relationships among them, and helps describe, predict, or interpret political behavior.

Grand Theory

A broad, overarching explanation that seeks to account for wide patterns of political phenomena (e.g., neofunctionalism for European integration).

Mid-Level Theory

A more limited explanatory framework focused on specific issues, time periods, or institutional settings within a wider field.

Rationalism

An approach assuming that actors use objective facts to weigh costs and benefits and make optimal, interest-maximising decisions.

Constructivism

A theory claiming that identities, norms, and values are socially constructed through discourse and shape political choices (e.g., Brexit as an identity project).

European Integration

The gradual process of creating closer economic, legal, and political links among European states, culminating in the European Union.

n = 1 Problem

A research challenge arising because the EU is a unique, single case, making generalisation and theory-testing difficult.

Federalism

A system dividing power between central and regional governments—‘self-rule plus shared rule’—often codified in a constitution.

Subsidiarity

The EU principle that decisions should be taken as closely as possible to citizens, with the Union acting only when objectives cannot be met by member states alone.

Functionalism

The idea that cooperation in specific technical areas (e.g., coal and steel) creates momentum for broader integration through an ‘invisible hand’ dynamic.

Neofunctionalism

Ernst Haas’s theory that integration in one sector triggers ‘spillover’ into others, driven by supranational elites and Europeanized interest groups.

Spillover

A neofunctionalist concept where cooperation in one policy field generates pressures for cooperation in related fields.

Societal Groups (Europeanization)

Domestic interests that, once engaged at EU level, redirect their lobbying and loyalties toward supranational institutions, reinforcing integration.

Intergovernmentalism

A perspective arguing that nation-states remain the central actors; integration advances only through unanimous bargains reflecting national preferences.

Liberal Intergovernmentalism

Andrew Moravcsik’s variant combining domestic preference formation with interstate bargaining to explain ‘history-making’ EU decisions.

Supranational Governance

Marks and Stone Sweet’s view that EU institutions possess independent authority and shape outcomes beyond member-state control.

Rational Choice Institutionalism

An approach (Tsebelis, Pollack) analysing how rules and delegation affect strategic interactions between member states and EU institutions.

Supranational Institution

An EU body (e.g., Commission, Court of Justice, European Parliament) endowed with authority above the national level and capable of binding decisions.

Empty Chair Crisis

The 1965–66 boycott of Council meetings by France under De Gaulle, undermining neofunctionalist expectations and catalysing intergovernmentalist critique.

High Politics

Policy areas linked to national sovereignty and security (e.g., defence, foreign affairs), traditionally resistant to supranational integration.

Codecision (Ordinary Legislative Procedure)

The EU’s bicameral law-making system where the Council and European Parliament jointly adopt legislation, enhancing federal-type features.