Consociational Interpretations of the European Union

In: European Union politics: EUP, Volume 3, Issue 3, p. 357-381

Abstract

An article that considers the consequences of applying a consociational interpretation to the integration of Europe & a response are presented. In "Consociational Interpretations of the European Union," Matthijs Bogaards determines how consociationalism has influenced decision-making processes within the European Union (EU), considers differences between perceiving the EU as a consociation of states & as a consociation of social segments, & illustrates how consociational thought actually obstructs institutional reform & democratization processes. It is concluded that consociational theory should not be applied to analyses of EU integration. In response, Markus M. L. Crepaz counters Bogaards's critique of consociational theory by contending that consociational democracy actually improves contemporary understandings of EU institutions & political decision making. In addition, it is claimed that consociational perspectives succeeded in quelling regional tensions while promoting regional democracy in a peaceful manner. Moreover, Arend Lijphart's (1989) contention that consensus & consociational forms of democracy are compatible is used to challenge Bogaards's suggestion that the EU be viewed as a consensus, not a consociational, democracy. 79 References. J. W. Parker