Framing the European Union
The Power of Political Arguments in Shaping European Integration

This accessible study explores the impact of political language and campaigning upon public opinion towards European integration.

Ece Özlem Atikcan (Author)

9781107115170, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 October 2015

342 pages, 64 b/w illus. 38 tables
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.2 cm, 0.63 kg

'Framing the European Union masterfully unites concepts from comparative politics, international relations, and sociology to reveal the central role of campaign dynamics in six crucial EU referendums. When 'no' campaigners used emotional appeals linking the EU vote with contentious issues such as immigration, they could overcome initially favorable public opinion and win the day. Destined to become a classic in EU studies.' Juliet Johnson, McGill University

What is the impact of political language upon public opinion towards European integration? Based upon media analysis, public opinion data and over 140 in-depth interviews with senior officials and campaigners, Ece Özlem Atikcan examines six EU referendum votes: in Spain, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg on the European Constitution in 2005; and in Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty in 2008 and 2009. In all instances, polls show that the voting public favored the referendum proposals before the campaigns began, yet this initially positive public opinion melted away in three of these six cases. Why did this occur? Atikcan demonstrates that the key to the puzzle lies in political campaigns, where argument strategies can, at least temporarily, reverse public opinion enough to affect referendum outcomes. Providing a critical analysis of campaign strategy and EU communication policy, this book will be essential reading for academics, policymakers, politicians and future campaigners.

1. The referendum conundrum
2. Diffusion channels
3. Spain: the quiet referendum
4. France: the momentum referendum
5. The Netherlands: the reversal referendum
6. Luxembourg: the diffusion referendum
7. Ireland: the double referendum
8. Through the eyes of the European Union
9. From champions to campaigners.

Subject Areas: Political structure & processes [JPH], Political ideologies [JPF], Comparative politics [JPB], Politics & government [JP]