Theories of European Integration

Setting out a ‘neo-functionalist’ theory of regional integration.Journal of European Public Policy.Policy-Making in the European Communities.Constructivism, and reshaping European identities and preferences.Integration theory today.Overarching the three steps of this model is a ‘rationalist framework’ of international cooperation.Constructivism is a notoriously difficult theory to describe succinctly.Not shaped by participation in the EU, as some neo-functionalists had proposed.Negotiated by, and according to the preferences of, a previous government.We should expect institutional lock-ins and path-dependent behaviour.