Dissertation

Myths in European integration: Resolving the crises in the European Community from empty chair crisis to ratification crisis

Jo, Sam-Sang

2005

Overview

A central theme of this study is to explore a question of why the periodic crises in the process of European integration get constructively resolved. This study argues that “European myths” matter in that European myths are prominent sources that regulate the crises. European myths directly, indirectly and mainly influence the constructive crisis resolution in the EC/EU. To test this hypothesis is presented in three main sections. The first provides general systems theory as an analytical framework and the development of European integration theory. The second seeks to show that to identify the regulatory mechanisms functioning in the process of European integration, two theories such as realism/neorealism and constructivism emerge particularly relevant. It is argued that rational calculation argument alone that is based on realism/neorealism is an insufficient explanation for the constructive crisis resolution. The final main section seeks to demonstrate that the periodic crises in European integration, as the constructivists argue, have been constructively and successfully settled down by the European myths including the myth of European unity and the myth of Franco-German entente. This study views European myths as publicly held beliefs cementing Europeans leaders, comforting them by alleviating uncertainties, and leading them to resolving the crises, especially that associated with traumatic historical experiences and dark tragedies in the First World War and the Second World War. Thus it is argued that European myths are a major foundation of regulatory mechanisms because those influence the constructive crisis resolution, cement community, and build consensus by eliminating all choices expect the choice to move European integration forward. This study concludes that (1) myths-based argument is not an alternative to the rational calculation argument, but rather an addition to it; (2) European myths are embedded in a new political culture—a problem-solving culture—of the EC/EU; (3) the regulatory capacity of the EC/EU system has repeatedly turned out to be more than sufficient to handle disturbances from the environment that caused the crises; (4) however, once the European myths weaken, the tensions among EU member states are likely to boost; (5) because the basic contradiction, deep-seated distrust, suspicion, and divergent interests have not been resolved, the future path for the European unity will be likely rocky.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: International law / International relations
• ISBN: 0542223082, 9780542223082