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"Two-and-a-half Ways of Thinking about the European Union"

Schütze, Robert

Authors



Abstract

This article argues that the sui generis theory is a ‘negative’ and ‘unhistorical’ theory. It lacks explanatory value for it is based on a conceptual tautology (Hay, 1966, 37): the European Union is… . what it is; and it is not.… what it is not! Second, the sui generis theory moreover only views the Union in negative terms – it is neither international organisation nor Federal State – and thus indirectly perpetuates the conceptual foundations of the Westphalian tradition. Is there a better way of thinking about the European Union? This article argues that ‘federal’ thinking provides a rich key to unlocking the nature of the European Union.

Citation

Schütze, R. (2016). "Two-and-a-half Ways of Thinking about the European Union". Politique européenne, 53(3), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.3917/poeu.053.0028

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 19, 2016
Publication Date Jul 1, 2016
Deposit Date Jul 27, 2016
Journal Politique européenne.
Print ISSN 1623-6297
Electronic ISSN 2105-2875
Publisher L'Harmattan
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 53
Issue 3
Pages 28-37
DOI https://doi.org/10.3917/poeu.053.0028


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