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An Ever Closer Fusion? A Dynamic Macropolitical View on Integration Processes

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  • Wolfgang Wessels

Abstract

To explain the evolution of the EU, a macropolitical approach using overall aggregate data is taken. Four dynamic views are tested: the neofunctional/neofederal assumption of linear growth; the realist view of decline; the governance/pendulum view of cyclical up and down; and the fusion thesis view of structural growth and differentiation. The article uses five indicators: binding outputs; scope enlargement of public policies; transfer of competencies; institutional growth and procedural differentiation; and involvement of intermediary groups in channels of influence. The data point to trends of merging public resources at several state levels, leading to increasing complexities, a lack of transparency and difficulties in reversing the development. This ever closer fusion is explained as a dynamic product of rational strategies of European welfare states faced with growing interdependencies and spillovers, furthered by the institutional logics of EU bodies. Criticized for the lack of legitimacy and the entailing of national democratic constitutions, this new polity may be perceived as a new stage in the evolution of European state and—more open to critical debate—a novel form of representative government.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolfgang Wessels, 1997. "An Ever Closer Fusion? A Dynamic Macropolitical View on Integration Processes," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(2), pages 267-299, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:35:y:1997:i:2:p:267-299
    DOI: 10.1111/1468-5965.00060
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    Cited by:

    1. Benz, Arthur & Zimmer, Christina, . "The EU's competences: The 'vertical' perspective on the multilevel system," Living Reviews in European Governance (LREG), Institute for European integration research (EIF).
    2. Benz, Arthur & Zimmer, Christina, . "The EU’s competences: The ‘vertical’ perspective on the multilevel system," Living Reviews in European Governance (LREG), Institute for European integration research (EIF).
    3. Ioan Popescu, 2011. "The Expansion Of European Bureaucracy," CES Working Papers, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 3(3), pages 415-428, September.
    4. repec:jes:wpaper:y:2011:v:3:p:415-428 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Delhey, Jan, 2004. "European social integration: From convergence of countries to transnational relations between peoples," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Inequality and Social Integration SP I 2004-201, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    6. Scharpf, Fritz W., 2001. "What have we learned? Problem-solving capacity of the multilevel European polity," MPIfG Working Paper 01/4, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
    7. Treib, Oliver, 2004. "Die Bedeutung der nationalen Parteipolitik für die Umsetzung europäischer Sozialrichtlinien. Politik − Verbände − Recht: Die Umsetzung europäischer Sozialpolitik, Band 1," Schriften aus dem Max-Planck-Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung Köln, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, volume 51, number 51.
    8. Janine Goetschy, 2005. "The open method of coordination and the Lisbon strategy: the difficult road from potential to results," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 11(1), pages 064-080, February.
    9. Pierfederico Asdrubali & Soyoung Kim, 2008. "The Economic Effects of the EU Budget: A VAR Analysis," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(5), pages 933-968, December.
    10. Braun, Marcel & Santarius, Tilman, 2008. "Climate politics in the multi-level governance system: emissions trading and institutional changes in environmental policy-making," Wuppertal Papers 172, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy.
    11. Arne Niemann, 2006. "Explaining visa, asylum and immigration policy Treaty revision: insights from a revised neofunctionalist framework," The Constitutionalism Web-Papers p0005, University of Hamburg, Faculty for Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science.
    12. Scharpf, Fritz W., 2003. "Problem-solving effectiveness and democratic accountability in the EU," MPIfG Working Paper 03/1, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
    13. Chalmers, Damian & Lodge, Martin, 2003. "The open method of co-ordination and the European welfare state," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 35993, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    14. repec:bla:jcmkts:v:46:y:2008:i::p:933-968 is not listed on IDEAS
    15. Richard Perkins & Eric Neumayer, 2007. "Do Membership Benefits Buy Regulatory Compliance?," European Union Politics, , vol. 8(2), pages 180-206, June.
    16. Laffan, Brigid, 1997. "The European Union: A Distinctive Model of Internationalisation?," European Integration online Papers (EIoP), European Community Studies Association Austria (ECSA-A), vol. 1, October.
    17. Braun, Marcel, 2009. "The evolution of emissions trading in the European Union - The role of policy networks, knowledge and policy entrepreneurs," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 34(3-4), pages 469-487, April.

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