Suchergebnisse

The expansion of European Union (EU) foreign policy cooperation since 1970 presents a number of puzzles for theorists of regional integration and International Relations. It is not directed by supranational organizations, does not involve bargaining over policy alternatives, and is not dominated by the largest EU states. Nor do the EU's common foreign policy decisions reflect 'lowest common denominator' preferences. Instead, cooperation has been achieved through decentralized institutional mechanisms, involving processes associated with both intergovernmental and social constructivist theories. This article first explains how changes in institutional context — in terms of intergovernmental, transgovernmental and supranational procedures — affect the propensity for cooperation. It then links processes of institutionalization to an expansion of foreign policy cooperation among EU member states. Finally, it explores three policy areas (the Middle East, South Africa and nuclear non-proliferation) where EU states have adjusted their national foreign policies in line with EU foreign policy norms.

One of the unique features of European integration involves the creation of a constitutional order for the European Union (EU). This order clearly governs many aspects of EU Member State economic & social policies, yet its impact on European foreign policy is less well understood. Although most Member States resist the legalization of their foreign policy cooperation, this policy domain has in fact become more legal & in ways that have been neglected by most theorists of European integration & international law. To address these gaps in our understanding, this article explains (1) why legalization is an important aspect of European foreign policy; (2) how legalization has taken place; & (3) the impact of legalization on the evolution of EU foreign policy. 1 Table, 57 References. Adapted from the source document.

European cooperation in foreign policy, or political cooperation, recently completed its third decade of institutional development. Most of this change has taken place at European level, often by adopting or adapting the procedures of the European Community. Yet the expansion of foreign, & now security, policy cooperation in the European Union (EU) has also increasingly penetrated into the domestic politics of its member states. This article suggests a conceptual framework for measuring the ways political cooperation has encouraged corresponding changes in EU member states. Four indicators of national adaptation are stressed: elite socialization, bureaucratic restitutional changes, & changes in public perceptions about the desirability & legitimacy of this cooperation. These types of change demonstrate that the demands of foreign policy cooperation are much greater than those outlined in treaty articles, & must be taken into consideration as the EU negotiates its next enlargement with Central & Eastern European states & attempts to develop a European security & defense identity. 2 Tables, 43 References. Adapted from the source document.