The EU, NATO and the Integration of Europe
Rules and Rhetoric

An analysis of the causes and politics of Eastern enlargement by the European Union and NATO.

Frank Schimmelfennig (Author)

9780521535250, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 December 2003

340 pages, 1 b/w illus. 32 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.5 kg

'… a rich volume offering many insights. It is a credible effort to tease out something new from the examination of the two major theoretical schools of thought in IR. This book is recommended for every student of European integration theories who seeks to bridge the rationalist-constructivist divide while gaining further insights into the enlargement issue.' Journal of International Relations and Development

Why did Western European states agree to the enlargement of the EU and NATO? Frank Schimmelfennig analyzes the history of the enlargement process and develops a theoretical approach of 'rhetorical action' to explain why it occurred. While rationalist theory explains the willingness of East European states to join the NATO and EU, it does not explain why member states decided to admit them. Using original data, Schimmelfennig shows that expansion to the East can be understood in terms of liberal democratic community building. Drawing on the works of Jon Elster and Erving Goffman, he demonstrates that the decision to expand was the result of rhetorical action. Candidates and their supporters used arguments based on collective identity, norms and values of the Western community to shame opponents into acquiescing to enlargement. This landmark book makes an enormous contribution to theory in international relations and to the study of European politics.

List of figures
List of tables
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. Security, Power or Welfare? Eastern Enlargement in a Rationalist Perspective: 1. Rationalist institutionalism and the enlargement of regional organizations
2. NATO enlargement
3. EU enlargement
Conclusion: the rationalist puzzle of Eastern enlargement
Part II. Expanding the Western Community of Liberal Values and Norms: Eastern Enlargement in a Sociological Perspective: 4. Sociological institutionalism and the enlargement of regional organizations
5. Eastern enlargement and the Western international community
6. The event history of enlargement
Conclusion: the sociological solution to the enlargement puzzle
Part III. Association Instead of Membership: Preferences and Bargaining Power in Eastern Enlargement: 7. Process hypotheses
8. State preferences and the initial enlargement process
Conclusion: the double puzzle of Eastern enlargement
Part IV. From Association to Membership: Rhetorical Action in Eastern Enlargement: 9. Rhetorical action
10. The decision to enlarge NATO
11. The decision to enlarge the EU
Conclusion: solving the double puzzle of Eastern enlargement
Strategic action in international community: concluding remarks
Appendix (interviews)
List of references
Index.

Subject Areas: EU & European institutions [JPSN2], International relations [JPS], Political structures: democracy [JPHV], Politics & government [JP], Regional studies [GTB]