Paper Summary:

This paper argues that neither Western European national interest nor supranationalism has clearly triumphed in the period since 1985, though a case may be made for either as the victor. Using economic integration as an example, the paper begins by discussing how European integration is not intrinsically at odds with national interest. It then describes some of the supranational powers of the European Union and their limits. The paper explains the implications of this using neo-functionalist theory, which sees success in integration of trade and economy as a harbinger of a cooperative future that will include other sectors as well. In contrast, it then explains the federalist viewpoint, which points out the weakness of the EU in not pursuing supranationality strongly enough. The paper concludes that European integration since 1985 suggests powerful national interests, but not triumphant ones.

From the Paper:

"In 1995, despite opposition from the EU, France continued its nuclear tests in the Pacific. In 1996, both Britain and Germany refused to join the stabilization force in Albania. Common foreign and security policy failed in these minor actions and failed even more mightily in major actions. Unity was shattered over the conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Despite the creation of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), the EU does not have much centralized military power and states do not act in concert in military affairs."

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