Explaining Decisions in the European Union

This book seeks to explain decisions in the European Union using a revised neofunctionalist framework.

Arne Niemann (Author)

9780521864053, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 December 2006

382 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm, 0.74 kg

Review of the hardback: 'With this concise book Arne Niemann provides a refreshingly new assessment and important further development of neofunctionalism as a long-term grand theory in European integration studies. The work succeeds admirably in presenting a much debated and not entirely uncontested theoretical approach in an exciting and most convincing way. The strength of Niemann's excellent contribution lies in theorising 'countervailing forces' based on a dialectical approach, and in sustaining this important theoretical innovation by thorough and extensive empirical research. This book will prove a landmark for theoretical debates in European integration and regional integration more generally; in addition, it is highly recommended as required reading on classes that address integration theories.' Antje Wiener, Queens University Belfast

Explaining outcomes of decision-making at the European level has occupied scholars since the late 1950s, yet analysts continue to disagree on the most important factors in the process. In this book, Arne Niemann examines the interplay of the supranational, governmental and non-governmental actors involved in EU integration, along with the influence of domestic, supranational and international structures. The book restates and develops neofunctionalism as an approach for explaining decisions in the European Union and assesses the usefulness of the revised neofunctionalist framework on three case studies: the emergence and development of the PHARE programme, the reform of the Common Commercial Policy, and the communitarisation of visa, asylum and immigration policy. Niemann argues that this classic theory can be modified in such a way as to draw on a wider theoretical repertoire and that many micro-level concepts can sensibly be accommodated within his larger neofunctionalist framework.

List of tables
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. Theoretical framework and research design
2. The emergence and development of the PHARE programme
3. The reform of the common commercial policy
4. The communitarisation of visa, asylum and immigration policy
5. Conclusion
References
Index.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Politics & government [JP], Regional studies [GTB]