Adrienne Héritier
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199298129
- eISBN:
- 9780191711633
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199298129.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This introductory chapter begins with brief a discussion of how and why institutions change. It then presents the different questions addressed by the book.
This introductory chapter begins with brief a discussion of how and why institutions change. It then presents the different questions addressed by the book.
Adrienne Héritier
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199298129
- eISBN:
- 9780191711633
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199298129.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This chapter presents an overview of the topics discussed in this volume.
This chapter presents an overview of the topics discussed in this volume.
Adrienne Héritier
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199298129
- eISBN:
- 9780191711633
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199298129.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This chapter presents theories of institutional change. It begins with a discussion of the definition of institutions. It then discusses the concepts of institutional change, rational choice ...
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This chapter presents theories of institutional change. It begins with a discussion of the definition of institutions. It then discusses the concepts of institutional change, rational choice institutionalism, and distributional rational choice institutionalism.Less
This chapter presents theories of institutional change. It begins with a discussion of the definition of institutions. It then discusses the concepts of institutional change, rational choice institutionalism, and distributional rational choice institutionalism.
Jochen Prantl
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199287680
- eISBN:
- 9780191603723
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199287686.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter develops various propositions on the dynamics between informal groups of states and the UN Security Council by applying the analytical framework of exit, voice, and loyalty. It argues ...
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This chapter develops various propositions on the dynamics between informal groups of states and the UN Security Council by applying the analytical framework of exit, voice, and loyalty. It argues that informal mechanisms may enhance SC governance if they are able to strike a balance between inclusiveness, efficiency, informality, transparency, and accountability.Less
This chapter develops various propositions on the dynamics between informal groups of states and the UN Security Council by applying the analytical framework of exit, voice, and loyalty. It argues that informal mechanisms may enhance SC governance if they are able to strike a balance between inclusiveness, efficiency, informality, transparency, and accountability.
Adrienne Héritier
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199298129
- eISBN:
- 9780191711633
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199298129.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This chapter draws conclusions from the theoretical interpretation of the five empirical cases. It briefly outlines the typical features of the long-term change of each case and the book's ...
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This chapter draws conclusions from the theoretical interpretation of the five empirical cases. It briefly outlines the typical features of the long-term change of each case and the book's theoretical explanations. The chapter then compares the developments of the institutional rules across cases and identifies the important aspects of the empirical stories that were not exhibited by any of the theories discussed in Chapter 1. The scope conditions of the theories that have been employed are discussed and the question of whether the theoretical insights gained on the basis of the five case studies may be extended to processes of institutional change beyond the European Union is addressed.Less
This chapter draws conclusions from the theoretical interpretation of the five empirical cases. It briefly outlines the typical features of the long-term change of each case and the book's theoretical explanations. The chapter then compares the developments of the institutional rules across cases and identifies the important aspects of the empirical stories that were not exhibited by any of the theories discussed in Chapter 1. The scope conditions of the theories that have been employed are discussed and the question of whether the theoretical insights gained on the basis of the five case studies may be extended to processes of institutional change beyond the European Union is addressed.
C. R. Hinings and Namrata Malhotra
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199231423
- eISBN:
- 9780191710865
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199231423.003.0006
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
This chapter examines institutional change at the field level of analysis. In doing so, it provides an overview of the work on archetypes and institutional change that has been developed ...
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This chapter examines institutional change at the field level of analysis. In doing so, it provides an overview of the work on archetypes and institutional change that has been developed theoretically and empirically through work on municipalities, accounting, law, architecture and management consulting firms, health care organizations, and sport organizations. The dynamics of change involve inter-organizational relations as well as the activities of individual organizations and groups within organizations. Organizational responses to institutional change need to involve aspects like values, interest, and power. The proposed process model of institutional change then addresses the de-institutionalization as well as the re-institutionalization of organizational components as an evolutionary process.Less
This chapter examines institutional change at the field level of analysis. In doing so, it provides an overview of the work on archetypes and institutional change that has been developed theoretically and empirically through work on municipalities, accounting, law, architecture and management consulting firms, health care organizations, and sport organizations. The dynamics of change involve inter-organizational relations as well as the activities of individual organizations and groups within organizations. Organizational responses to institutional change need to involve aspects like values, interest, and power. The proposed process model of institutional change then addresses the de-institutionalization as well as the re-institutionalization of organizational components as an evolutionary process.
Bernhard Ebbinghaus
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199286119
- eISBN:
- 9780191604089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199286116.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This concluding chapter summarizes the main findings of the book, evaluating the protection-oriented ‘pull’ and production-oriented ‘push’ approaches to explain the long-term development and ...
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This concluding chapter summarizes the main findings of the book, evaluating the protection-oriented ‘pull’ and production-oriented ‘push’ approaches to explain the long-term development and cross-national variations in early exit from work. It discusses the difficulties of ‘path dependence’ as well as the opportunities of institutional change to reverse early retirement policies. It recommends a paradigm shift away from early retirement in combination with integration policies that facilitate older workers to remain active.Less
This concluding chapter summarizes the main findings of the book, evaluating the protection-oriented ‘pull’ and production-oriented ‘push’ approaches to explain the long-term development and cross-national variations in early exit from work. It discusses the difficulties of ‘path dependence’ as well as the opportunities of institutional change to reverse early retirement policies. It recommends a paradigm shift away from early retirement in combination with integration policies that facilitate older workers to remain active.
Tetsuro Toya and Jennifer Amyx
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199292394
- eISBN:
- 9780191603525
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199292396.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This chapter has two main objectives. First, it introduces the theoretical frameworks of institutional change and organizational survival to be utilized in later chapters to make sense of the ...
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This chapter has two main objectives. First, it introduces the theoretical frameworks of institutional change and organizational survival to be utilized in later chapters to make sense of the development in financial politics. Second, it constructs possible scenarios regarding financial reforms by identifying the actors and deriving their preferences based on observed behavioral regularities. It shows how the starting assumption — that organizations seek survival — applies more broadly to actors in the political economy. These actors include political parties, bureaucratic agencies, firms, and interest groups. Through this process, the institutions in Japanese finance (the Convoy) and public policymaking (bureaupluralism) that prevailed until the first half of the 1990s are identified.Less
This chapter has two main objectives. First, it introduces the theoretical frameworks of institutional change and organizational survival to be utilized in later chapters to make sense of the development in financial politics. Second, it constructs possible scenarios regarding financial reforms by identifying the actors and deriving their preferences based on observed behavioral regularities. It shows how the starting assumption — that organizations seek survival — applies more broadly to actors in the political economy. These actors include political parties, bureaucratic agencies, firms, and interest groups. Through this process, the institutions in Japanese finance (the Convoy) and public policymaking (bureaupluralism) that prevailed until the first half of the 1990s are identified.
Tetsuro Toya and Jennifer Amyx
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199292394
- eISBN:
- 9780191603525
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199292396.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This chapter situates the Big Bang within broader financial sector developments and in the political economy in general. It uses the framework of ‘institutional change’ introduced in Chapter 3 to ...
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This chapter situates the Big Bang within broader financial sector developments and in the political economy in general. It uses the framework of ‘institutional change’ introduced in Chapter 3 to understand the larger changes taking place in finance. It shows the causal mechanism through which the observed changes in financial politics occurred, while demonstrating how the components of the Financial Convoy related to one another, triggering the breakdown of the Convoy. The breakdown of the Convoy and the decay of bureaupluralism are observed, and the future of the latter is predicted.Less
This chapter situates the Big Bang within broader financial sector developments and in the political economy in general. It uses the framework of ‘institutional change’ introduced in Chapter 3 to understand the larger changes taking place in finance. It shows the causal mechanism through which the observed changes in financial politics occurred, while demonstrating how the components of the Financial Convoy related to one another, triggering the breakdown of the Convoy. The breakdown of the Convoy and the decay of bureaupluralism are observed, and the future of the latter is predicted.
Alexander Ebner
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199231423
- eISBN:
- 9780191710865
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199231423.003.0013
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
This chapter examines the co-evolutionary relationship between markets and states as a path-dependent process that reflects the social construction of institutional change. It reviews the major ...
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This chapter examines the co-evolutionary relationship between markets and states as a path-dependent process that reflects the social construction of institutional change. It reviews the major contributions to the governance approach, as originally provided by the new institutional economics and subsequently extended in the transdisciplinary discourse of the new institutionalism. Oliver E. Williamson's transaction cost approach to governance is examined, offering insights into the notion of private ordering as a governance device. Douglass C. North's theory of the institutional evolution of markets and states and, Mancur Olson's collective action approach to governance are then considered.Less
This chapter examines the co-evolutionary relationship between markets and states as a path-dependent process that reflects the social construction of institutional change. It reviews the major contributions to the governance approach, as originally provided by the new institutional economics and subsequently extended in the transdisciplinary discourse of the new institutionalism. Oliver E. Williamson's transaction cost approach to governance is examined, offering insights into the notion of private ordering as a governance device. Douglass C. North's theory of the institutional evolution of markets and states and, Mancur Olson's collective action approach to governance are then considered.
Bernhard Ebbinghaus
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199286119
- eISBN:
- 9780191604089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199286116.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Early retirement has become a major issue of current welfare state reforms in aging societies. This introductory chapter discusses the different protection-oriented ‘pull’ and production-oriented ...
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Early retirement has become a major issue of current welfare state reforms in aging societies. This introductory chapter discusses the different protection-oriented ‘pull’ and production-oriented ‘push’ factors that caused more early exit from work prior to age 65. It argues for systematic comparison of welfare regimes, production systems, and labor relations, as well as the study of the key role of social partners in institutional change.Less
Early retirement has become a major issue of current welfare state reforms in aging societies. This introductory chapter discusses the different protection-oriented ‘pull’ and production-oriented ‘push’ factors that caused more early exit from work prior to age 65. It argues for systematic comparison of welfare regimes, production systems, and labor relations, as well as the study of the key role of social partners in institutional change.
John Harriss
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199231423
- eISBN:
- 9780191710865
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199231423.003.0014
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
This chapter examines the role of politics, power, and culture in the explanation of institutional change. It criticizes the rational choice framework of the new institutional economics for its ...
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This chapter examines the role of politics, power, and culture in the explanation of institutional change. It criticizes the rational choice framework of the new institutional economics for its apparent limitations in theorizing on these issues. It underlines the analytical advantages of historical institutionalism. The conflict among social classes and the institutional substance of power structures are of particular analytical significance. They are interrelated factors in the evolution of cultural values, as exemplified by the case of Indian economic development and its socio-political underpinnings.Less
This chapter examines the role of politics, power, and culture in the explanation of institutional change. It criticizes the rational choice framework of the new institutional economics for its apparent limitations in theorizing on these issues. It underlines the analytical advantages of historical institutionalism. The conflict among social classes and the institutional substance of power structures are of particular analytical significance. They are interrelated factors in the evolution of cultural values, as exemplified by the case of Indian economic development and its socio-political underpinnings.
Jochen Prantl
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199287680
- eISBN:
- 9780191603723
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199287686.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter introduces and defines the terms ‘informal groups of states’, ‘groups of friends’, and ‘contact groups’. It develops a synergistic analytical framework, identifying the causal mechanisms ...
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This chapter introduces and defines the terms ‘informal groups of states’, ‘groups of friends’, and ‘contact groups’. It develops a synergistic analytical framework, identifying the causal mechanisms that contribute to the formation of informal groups of states by borrowing from insights of theories of agency and delegation. It challenges the proposition that centralization and independence are key functional characteristics of international organizations which enhance efficiency. Instead, it argues that decentralization via informal groups of states allows the achievement of policy goals that would be unattainable in a centralized setting. The typology of exit, voice, and loyalty is incorporated into analytical framework to explain the dynamics between informal groups and the Security Council. Such an approach provides substantial explanatory leverage to explain the institutional effects of the Security Council under conditions of systemic change. The chapter concludes with an outline of the book’s contents.Less
This chapter introduces and defines the terms ‘informal groups of states’, ‘groups of friends’, and ‘contact groups’. It develops a synergistic analytical framework, identifying the causal mechanisms that contribute to the formation of informal groups of states by borrowing from insights of theories of agency and delegation. It challenges the proposition that centralization and independence are key functional characteristics of international organizations which enhance efficiency. Instead, it argues that decentralization via informal groups of states allows the achievement of policy goals that would be unattainable in a centralized setting. The typology of exit, voice, and loyalty is incorporated into analytical framework to explain the dynamics between informal groups and the Security Council. Such an approach provides substantial explanatory leverage to explain the institutional effects of the Security Council under conditions of systemic change. The chapter concludes with an outline of the book’s contents.
Bernhard Ebbinghaus
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199286119
- eISBN:
- 9780191604089
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199286116.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Since the 1970s, early exit from work has become a major challenge in modern welfare states. Governments, employers, and unions alike once thought of early retirement as a peaceful solution to the ...
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Since the 1970s, early exit from work has become a major challenge in modern welfare states. Governments, employers, and unions alike once thought of early retirement as a peaceful solution to the economic problems of mass unemployment and industrial restructuring. Today, governments and international organizations advocate the postponement of retirement and an increase in activity among older workers. Comparing eight European countries, the USA, and Japan, this book demonstrates significant cross-national differences in early retirement across countries and over time. The study evaluates the impact of major variations in welfare regimes, production systems, and labor relations. It stresses the importance of the ‘pull factor’ of extensive welfare state provisions, particularly in Continental Europe; the ‘push factor’ of labor shedding strategies by firms, particularly in Anglo-American market economies; and the role of employers and worker representatives in negotiating retirement policies, particularly in coordinated market economies. Over the last three decades, early retirement has become a popular social policy and employment practice in the workplace, adding to the fiscal crises and employment problems of today’s welfare states. Attempts to reverse early retirement policies have led to major reform debates. Unilateral government policies to cut back on social benefits have not had the expected employment results due to resistance from employers, workers, and their organizations. Successful reforms require the cooperation of both sides. This study provides comprehensive empirical analyses and a balanced approach to both the pull and the push factors needed to understand the development of early retirement regimes.Less
Since the 1970s, early exit from work has become a major challenge in modern welfare states. Governments, employers, and unions alike once thought of early retirement as a peaceful solution to the economic problems of mass unemployment and industrial restructuring. Today, governments and international organizations advocate the postponement of retirement and an increase in activity among older workers. Comparing eight European countries, the USA, and Japan, this book demonstrates significant cross-national differences in early retirement across countries and over time. The study evaluates the impact of major variations in welfare regimes, production systems, and labor relations. It stresses the importance of the ‘pull factor’ of extensive welfare state provisions, particularly in Continental Europe; the ‘push factor’ of labor shedding strategies by firms, particularly in Anglo-American market economies; and the role of employers and worker representatives in negotiating retirement policies, particularly in coordinated market economies. Over the last three decades, early retirement has become a popular social policy and employment practice in the workplace, adding to the fiscal crises and employment problems of today’s welfare states. Attempts to reverse early retirement policies have led to major reform debates. Unilateral government policies to cut back on social benefits have not had the expected employment results due to resistance from employers, workers, and their organizations. Successful reforms require the cooperation of both sides. This study provides comprehensive empirical analyses and a balanced approach to both the pull and the push factors needed to understand the development of early retirement regimes.
Richard R. Nelson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199231423
- eISBN:
- 9780191710865
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199231423.003.0012
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
This chapter argues that economists are right in seeing ‘the right institutions’ as the key to economic productivity and progressiveness. But for the argument to be delved deeper, it needs to be ...
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This chapter argues that economists are right in seeing ‘the right institutions’ as the key to economic productivity and progressiveness. But for the argument to be delved deeper, it needs to be recognized that there is a very real challenge; the magnitude of the challenge is only beginning to be understood. The conglomerate of things different economists have called institutions largely reflects the fact that many different kinds of structures and forces mould the way individuals and organizations interact to get things done — so-called ‘social technologies’. Economic growth involves the co-evolution of technologies and the institutions needed for their effective operation and advancement. Some institutions provide the broad background conditions under which technologies can proceed, and others come into existence and develop to support the important new technologies that are driving growth. The chapter reviews the processes of institutional change and argues that institutional change, and its influence on economic activity, is much more difficult to direct and control than technological change, and hence prevailing institutions are often drags on economic productivity and progressiveness. The evolution of technology and institutions in pharmaceutical biotech is considered.Less
This chapter argues that economists are right in seeing ‘the right institutions’ as the key to economic productivity and progressiveness. But for the argument to be delved deeper, it needs to be recognized that there is a very real challenge; the magnitude of the challenge is only beginning to be understood. The conglomerate of things different economists have called institutions largely reflects the fact that many different kinds of structures and forces mould the way individuals and organizations interact to get things done — so-called ‘social technologies’. Economic growth involves the co-evolution of technologies and the institutions needed for their effective operation and advancement. Some institutions provide the broad background conditions under which technologies can proceed, and others come into existence and develop to support the important new technologies that are driving growth. The chapter reviews the processes of institutional change and argues that institutional change, and its influence on economic activity, is much more difficult to direct and control than technological change, and hence prevailing institutions are often drags on economic productivity and progressiveness. The evolution of technology and institutions in pharmaceutical biotech is considered.
Christopher K. Ansell
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199772438
- eISBN:
- 9780199918997
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199772438.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter explores the possibilities of evolutionary learning on a large-scale by examining macro-institutional change. The chapter conceives of large-scale institutional change as a ...
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This chapter explores the possibilities of evolutionary learning on a large-scale by examining macro-institutional change. The chapter conceives of large-scale institutional change as a constitutional process and treats “meta-concepts” as the focal points of this change. Meta-concepts become a platform for institutional evolution when they are multi-vocal and teleological “boundary objects.” The institutionalization of the concept of “sustainable development” illustrates the power and limits of meta-concepts.Less
This chapter explores the possibilities of evolutionary learning on a large-scale by examining macro-institutional change. The chapter conceives of large-scale institutional change as a constitutional process and treats “meta-concepts” as the focal points of this change. Meta-concepts become a platform for institutional evolution when they are multi-vocal and teleological “boundary objects.” The institutionalization of the concept of “sustainable development” illustrates the power and limits of meta-concepts.
Maarten A. Hajer
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198293330
- eISBN:
- 9780191599408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829333X.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
Discusses ecological modernization in the 1990s. Also makes the case that discourse indeed matters in the analysis of politics and policy. Gives a detailed account of the various discursive ...
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Discusses ecological modernization in the 1990s. Also makes the case that discourse indeed matters in the analysis of politics and policy. Gives a detailed account of the various discursive mechanisms that were at work in the regulation of acid rain. Concludes with a search for a ‘reflexive’ form of ecological modernization in which the new discourse is combined with the introduction of a set of institutional practices that make it possible to combine it with a notion of discursive democracy.Less
Discusses ecological modernization in the 1990s. Also makes the case that discourse indeed matters in the analysis of politics and policy. Gives a detailed account of the various discursive mechanisms that were at work in the regulation of acid rain. Concludes with a search for a ‘reflexive’ form of ecological modernization in which the new discourse is combined with the introduction of a set of institutional practices that make it possible to combine it with a notion of discursive democracy.
Bob Hancké, Martin Rhodes, and Mark Thatcher
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199206483
- eISBN:
- 9780191709715
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199206483.003.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
This introductory chapter ties together themes running through all the chapters in this volume. It discusses critiques of the Varieties of Capitalism or VoC approach in four areas in which it has ...
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This introductory chapter ties together themes running through all the chapters in this volume. It discusses critiques of the Varieties of Capitalism or VoC approach in four areas in which it has proven most vulnerable to criticism, and proposes a framework to address these. First, the chapter analyses the role of political and distributive struggles in generating change and adjustment. Second, it reconsiders the nature and function of complementarities in shaping and constraining institutional change. Third, the chapter extends the VoC approach to a broader range of political economies than traditionally receives attention, from southern Europe to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. Fourth, it restores the role of the state in VoC analysis, not just where that role is most overt, but as an important factor in the construction everywhere of what Hall calls ‘institutional ecologies’. The chapter then uses these insights to understand the shifts in the contemporary political economy of Europe.Less
This introductory chapter ties together themes running through all the chapters in this volume. It discusses critiques of the Varieties of Capitalism or VoC approach in four areas in which it has proven most vulnerable to criticism, and proposes a framework to address these. First, the chapter analyses the role of political and distributive struggles in generating change and adjustment. Second, it reconsiders the nature and function of complementarities in shaping and constraining institutional change. Third, the chapter extends the VoC approach to a broader range of political economies than traditionally receives attention, from southern Europe to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. Fourth, it restores the role of the state in VoC analysis, not just where that role is most overt, but as an important factor in the construction everywhere of what Hall calls ‘institutional ecologies’. The chapter then uses these insights to understand the shifts in the contemporary political economy of Europe.
Michael E. Smith
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199247967
- eISBN:
- 9780191601088
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019924796X.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The focus of this chapter is on the institutionalization of a space for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and on efforts since the signing of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union ...
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The focus of this chapter is on the institutionalization of a space for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and on efforts since the signing of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union (TEU) to link the CFSP with other European Union (EU) domains under a principle of coherence. In the light of unfavourable perceptions about institutional performance in the conduct of EU external relations, and the perceived need for change, two major questions are addressed: the kinds of institutional problems that have resulted from the TEU’s provisions on external relations; and the extent to which, and how, these problems have been resolved. The chapter first maps out the EU’s institutional space in the policy domains most directly concerned with external relations, and then shows how these mechanisms created new problems, and thus pressures for institutional change, once the TEU came into effect. These problems are defined primarily in terms of institutional gaps and contradictions across the EU’s external policy domains. Finally, the attempts of the EU to resolve these problems through two sets of institutional reforms, one informal and the other formal, are described.Less
The focus of this chapter is on the institutionalization of a space for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and on efforts since the signing of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union (TEU) to link the CFSP with other European Union (EU) domains under a principle of coherence. In the light of unfavourable perceptions about institutional performance in the conduct of EU external relations, and the perceived need for change, two major questions are addressed: the kinds of institutional problems that have resulted from the TEU’s provisions on external relations; and the extent to which, and how, these problems have been resolved. The chapter first maps out the EU’s institutional space in the policy domains most directly concerned with external relations, and then shows how these mechanisms created new problems, and thus pressures for institutional change, once the TEU came into effect. These problems are defined primarily in terms of institutional gaps and contradictions across the EU’s external policy domains. Finally, the attempts of the EU to resolve these problems through two sets of institutional reforms, one informal and the other formal, are described.
Jeffrey Stacey
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199584765
- eISBN:
- 9780191723506
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199584765.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, European Union
In Integrating Europe: Informal Politics and Institutional Change the author explains why the European Union (EU) Member States actively surrender policy‐making power to supranational authorities in ...
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In Integrating Europe: Informal Politics and Institutional Change the author explains why the European Union (EU) Member States actively surrender policy‐making power to supranational authorities in unconventional ways. In light of the general antipathy toward giving up national sovereignty in European societies—even where “pro‐European” sentiment thrives, why do national governments allow the creation of any new EU laws or policies whose effects they cannot keep under their general control? Why do EU Member States allow any sovereignty transfer to occur outside of intergovernmental treaties that are the only legitimate EU bargains found in the EU's formal sphere? Deploying the tools of rational choice institutionalist theory, the author argues that informal bargains struck between the EU's primary organizational actors—the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament—have paradoxically resulted in increased integration. As the EU is an ideal laboratory for testing different institutionalist hypotheses for explaining institutional change, the author focuses on the ongoing competition to alter the EU rules that allocate power, and, with an approach that allows for feedback loops among agents and structures, makes an argument that flies in the face of realist and Intergovernmentalist theories. While some have shed light on the importance of informal dynamics in the legal sphere of the EU, this book does the same for the policy‐making sphere.Less
In Integrating Europe: Informal Politics and Institutional Change the author explains why the European Union (EU) Member States actively surrender policy‐making power to supranational authorities in unconventional ways. In light of the general antipathy toward giving up national sovereignty in European societies—even where “pro‐European” sentiment thrives, why do national governments allow the creation of any new EU laws or policies whose effects they cannot keep under their general control? Why do EU Member States allow any sovereignty transfer to occur outside of intergovernmental treaties that are the only legitimate EU bargains found in the EU's formal sphere? Deploying the tools of rational choice institutionalist theory, the author argues that informal bargains struck between the EU's primary organizational actors—the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament—have paradoxically resulted in increased integration. As the EU is an ideal laboratory for testing different institutionalist hypotheses for explaining institutional change, the author focuses on the ongoing competition to alter the EU rules that allocate power, and, with an approach that allows for feedback loops among agents and structures, makes an argument that flies in the face of realist and Intergovernmentalist theories. While some have shed light on the importance of informal dynamics in the legal sphere of the EU, this book does the same for the policy‐making sphere.
