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One Page A Postfunctionalist Theory of European Integration From Permissive Consensus To Constraining Dissensus

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Marcos Lara
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18 views2 pages

One Page A Postfunctionalist Theory of European Integration From Permissive Consensus To Constraining Dissensus

Uploaded by

Marcos Lara
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The document "A Postfunctionalist Theory of European Integration: From

Permissive Consensus to Constraining Dissensus" by Liesbet Hooghe and


Gary Marks presents an analysis of the changing nature of public support for
European integration. Here’s a concise summary:
Key Concepts:
1. Postfunctionalist Theory:
o The authors argue that preferences over jurisdiction are
influenced by three factors: efficiency, distribution, and
identity.
o The politicization of European integration has shifted from an
earlier era of "permissive consensus" to a period of
"constraining dissensus." In the early years, European
integration decisions were largely insulated from public debate,
but since the 1990s, these decisions have increasingly become
subject to public and political contestation.
2. Drivers of Integration:
o Neofunctionalism and intergovernmentalism were early
theories of integration, explaining it as a response to
mismatches between territorial problems and political
authority.
o However, postfunctionalism emphasizes that identity has
become a critical driver, shaping how people perceive
integration, beyond mere economic considerations.
3. Multi-level Governance:
o The European Union (EU) is analyzed through the lens of multi-
level governance, where authority is distributed across local,
national, and supranational levels.
o The paper argues that EU integration is not solely driven by
economic interest but also by communal identities. Citizens
care about who governs them, which leads to tensions between
the functional need for cooperation and the desire for self-
rule.
4. Public Opinion and Politicization:
o The politicization of European integration has led to increased
scrutiny and debate within member states.
o European integration is no longer a niche topic; it has become
entangled with domestic party politics, with some parties
opposing integration due to concerns over national sovereignty.
5. The Role of Political Parties:
o Political parties play a crucial role in shaping public opinion on
integration, deciding when and how to introduce EU topics into
political debate.
o The gal/tan axis (green/alternative/libertarian vs.
traditionalism/authority/nationalism) is key to understanding
party positioning on EU integration. Tan parties tend to
oppose integration, viewing it as undermining national
sovereignty.
Conclusion:
The shift from permissive consensus to constraining dissensus highlights the
growing politicization of European integration and the significant role that
identity politics now plays. The authors argue that, in order to understand
the future of EU integration, it is essential to consider how issues of identity,
efficiency, and distribution interact within a multi-level governance
framework.

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