Abstract This paper describes the government of the EuropeanUnion and the effects that changes therein have had on various elements of European society. Specifically, the paper address how multilevel governance in the EuropeanUnion has affected the labor movement and labor unions, the environmental movement in Europe, as well as various sub-national and regional movements throughout the continent.
From the Paper "The European Union (EU) is an interesting historical case of the developments that have occurred to the institution of the nation state over the course of the twentieth century. What so few people, outside of academic circles, realize is that the nation state is not a natural organizational structure. It is simply one more historical construction that was developed over time. Benedict Anderson, in his historically relevant Imagined Communities, writes, "[N]ation-ness, as well as nationalism, are cultural artifacts of a particular kind. By this he means that nations, despite all that cultural ideology has whispered in our ears, are products of human creation. They are invented institutions, albeit exceptionally powerful ones, upon which international affairs has relied for several centuries."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the EuropeanUnion and then relates that history to the issues that the union contends with today. Issues such as the constitution, expansion of the union, and the economic concerns of the poorer countries are examples of these problems. The paper further suggests that solutions to these issues may be found in history.
From the Paper "In 1464 there was a proposal made to create the first European Union of Christian states. While the original plan did not come to pass, the concept of creating a unified Europe was never truly lost by the European people ("History"). Ideas such as "the United States of Europe", the "League of 18 Sovereign States", and the "Federation of European Republics" all were suggested, and rejected, as methods of creating a nation of European countries ("History"). It was not until 1943 that an actual union was seriously considered under the principles set forth by German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. Ribbentrop proposed that European countries come together to create, "...a single currency, a central bank in Berlin, a regional principle, a labour policy and economic and trading agreements..." ("History"). "
Abstract This paper examines the reasons for trading blocks in general and the EuropeanUnion in particular. It considers the membership process in the EU, and evaluates the benefits and costs of Turkey joining the EU. The paper puts forth obstacles that might block Turkey's accession to the EU.
From the Paper "Although international trade is often viewed as a twentieth century phenomenon it has existed for hundreds of years ..."
Tags: trading blocks, europeanunion, euro, Turkey, EU
Abstract This paper analyzes the efforts made by Turkey to gain acceptance into the EuropeanUnion (EU), including the advantages to the EU of accepting Turkey. It looks at how the acceptance of Turkey is based on the country having stable institutions, respect for human rights, the rule of law, a functioning market economy and the ability to take on membership obligations.
From the Paper "At a December summit in Copenhagen Denmark, European Union EU or the Union officials announced that Turkey could begin membership negotiations in December if it met certain membership criteria aimed ...."
Abstract In this article , claims of a "democratic deficit" in the EuropeanUnion (E.U.) are examined. The writer discusses the meaning of democracy. The writer looks at the comparison of institutions in contemporary democratic states and the E.U. The writer also discusses the possible development of the E.U. The writer concludes that there is not a democracy deficit.
From the Paper "Two centuries of often-bloody struggles have made Europe a continent of democracies strongly established across the Western and Central European regions that now comprise the European Union. But is this great and difficult achievement now threatened by the emergence of the European Union (E.U,) itself, as a less than fully democratic entity. This question has come to be a matter of increasing debate in recent years as the E.U. has emerged as more than a mere alliance of ... "
Abstract This paper discusses how the EuropeanUnion has served as a model for international, political and economic integration. The EU has been able to transform the European continent from a diverse, complicated and myriad conglomeration of independent nations, markets and currencies into a unified economic and trade entity which has demonstrated far more success than most experts predicted when it was first established. Due to the success of the EU government form or model, NAFTA has patterned itself in accordance with many EU structural and policy elements.
From the Paper "The European Union has served as a model for international political and economic integration, for the EU has been able to transform the European continent from a diverse, complicated, and myriad conglomeration of independent nations, markets, and currencies into a unified economic and trade entity which has demonstrated far more success than most experts predicted when it was first established. Because of the success of the EU's government form/model, NAFTA has patterned itself in accordance with many EU structural and policy elements. The European Union and its single currency system were years in the making. Beginning with the Treaty of Rome in 1957, which declared a common European market as a European objective, European states have pursued the common goal."
Abstract This paper deals with many concepts of modern international relations, such as the departure from the bipolar system of the Cold war and how, with the united Europe, the world may be headed back to a bipolar system. The paper also explores how, beyond just being allies, the united Europe positions itself as an economical adversary of the United States. Finally, the essay explores the role of Great Britain in the formation of the EuropeanUnion, while looking into the British refusal to enter it completely, as with acceptance of a single currency.
From the Paper "The European Union has been a formidable geo-political and economic institution for the past forty years. It has not always existed as we see it today. To obtain today's form it has evolved in a similar fashion to other multi-lateral bodies in the world as well as some countries, such as the United States. The idea of a United Europe evolved from the ardent advocacy of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. On the 19th of September 1946, at Zurich University, he promoted the idea of a United States of Europe. From that moment on the European states began the Herculean task of coordinating economic agreements the most prominent of which is the new Exchange Rate Mechanism, or the ?Euro,? and other multi-national decisions that would be the beginning phases of economic, and in-turn governmental, integration in Europe. As Nigel Lawson stated; Economic and monetary union implies nothing less than European government. The first effect of this growing movement was the implementation of the Euro as a means of continental transaction amongst the member states in 1998 and the eventual full integration of the Euro among the member nations as of January 1, 2002."
Abstract This paper studies the historical underpinnings of the creation of the EuropeanUnion. The paper first discusses the various movements and organizations developed in Western Europe, which led to the creation of the European Community (EC). Then the paper traces the issue back to post-World War II Europe and details the historical friction among European nations regarding a single EuropeanUnion.
Tags:European integration, EEC, EC, Treaty of Rome, EFTA, WEU
Abstract This research paper includes an overview of the EuropeanUnion, its history, principles and policies on trade. It analyzes the EuropeanUnion's Impact on international trade and briefs the reader on the impact of the trade block on trade positions of the U.S. and Japan. The author discusses current issues and disputes between the US and the EU and includes statistics to illustrate the effects of the EU on world trade.
From the Paper The European market is big, much as the United States. The European Union and the USA represent 30.1% and 24.5% of global GDP respectively. Together, the two economic giants represent half of the world GDP. (See Diagram 1). As such, any actions that these two economies do will affect the rest of the world. In fact, the establishment of the European Union has effected ripples of economic growth or depression on its member states and other countries as well. And as the influence of the EU grows, so does its relationship with the rest of the world become more important. The EU currently holds agreements with almost every region in the world. Just as much of the EU's policies involve reduction of barriers and increased trade among its members, its external policies have involved increased trade globally and deepening relationships with other countries. The logic behind this double-edged mission is the realization that a barrier-free global economy is key to optimum progress.
Tags: block, eu, history, international, japan, policies, trade, union, us
Abstract This paper examines the formation and development of the EuropeanUnion. The author attempts to investigate this union as a benefiting body to its members and looks into its advantages and disadvantages.
From the Paper "Integrating all phases of the European Union is, and is going to be, an interesting mixture of economic, political, foreign policy and security concessions. Unfortunately, as third-party observers, the American public is really exposed to the economic concessions, such as GATT. Also, the American point of view of the integration of Europe is mixed because we haven?t had to deal with conceding nationalism for greater economic and foreign considerations. However, in this new era of globalization, combined with the political and economic vacuum that the dissolving of the Eastern Bloc has created, this is a logical end to the question of what is going to restore the balance of power that the fall of communism has tipped. Through looking at the advantages and disadvantages the European Union will provide its members, conclusions can be drawn with regard to what the European Union can do as a collective power, without stepping on the autonomy of the nation-states of Europe."
Tags:union, political, cold, war, europe, foundation, unity
Abstract This paper focuses on the evident rise of Russian nationalism, which is a result of the domestic media and various political players who want to keep Russia isolated from western influences. This is only one of the reasons Russia has not yet joined the EuropeanUnion (EU). The writer of this paper analyzes the Russian government's displeasure with the EU due to the addition of several countries from the former Soviet bloc, including: Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia, which resulted in Russia abstaining from joining the EU. This paper also discusses the EU's dissatisfaction with Russia's handling of their ongoing conflict with breakaway Chechnya as well as Russia's federal control which signals a departure from democratic decision-making.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Why Did the Russian Government Decide Not to Join? (Reasons & Primary Sources)
Domestic Debate: Press, Positions by Major Political Actors, Parties, Interest Groups and Prominent Opinion Makers
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "A recent survey conducted by the Russian Center for National Problems and Reforms yielded an insight into Russian domestic ideology as it pertains to the west. Twenty-two percent believed that Russia is a superpower and that any problems should be solved independent of the west. Twelve percent believed that closer ties to the west are imperative is necessary if there is to be economic reform. Eighteen percent want to return to socialism as existed during Lenin's regime. Fifteen percent are centrists and pragmatists who believe that Russia should foster relationships with the west and with middle eastern and Asian neighbors when it suites the country's needs. A look at these domestic statistics reveals that the liberal democrats are losing ground, and the Radical Conservative/Nationalist political position is taking greater hold even over more moderate positions."
Abstract This paper discusses the EuropeanUnion (EU) policy in the Doha round of international trade talks. It emphasizes the EU objectives of compressing tariffs, increasing tariff binding and favoring environmental goods. The author explores the significance of the trade issue.
Abstract The paper addresses the founding of the EuropeanUnion and its organizations. The paper discusses how different theories of international relations view political events in vastly different ways. The paper specifically examines the standard schools of thought (realist, liberalist, and feminist) regarding these international organizations, regarding their opinion on EU developments. The paper analyzes how diversity has given the region much of its culture and heritage, but it is now faced with the task of finding a method of coexisting under a federation of states in the EU. The paper concludes that despite the "growing pains" created by the tension between different states and varying degrees of cooperation among these states, the EU has evolved quickly into an effective and influential organization.
From the Paper "Realists see regional organizations like the EU as "a gathering of sovereign states" all acting in their own self-interest and perpetually in conflict with the other states (McCormick 1999, p. 10). These conflicts, say realists, may be delayed, purposely set aside, or even settled, but each state will continue to operate within its borders under its own authority. Realism sees the state as a member of the international organization only because such membership is the most viable method of state survival in the global system (ibid.)."
Tags: Soviet, Union, Russia, Federalism, United, States
Abstract The paper looks at why the countries of the North American zone; Canada, the United States and Mexico joined together as an economic bloc and why European nations chose to re-constitute themselves into a single political and economic bloc after the Second World War. The paper then examines how economic integration between the European and North American countries has been and is pursued. The paper compares NAFTA to the EuropeanUnion and explores the tensions between the two powerful trading blocs and where their tense relationship appears to be headed.
Outline:
Introduction
The North American Free Trade Agreement
The EuropeanUnion: Its Origins, its "Unity-Based" Agenda, and its Collective Trade Policy
Comparing NAFTA with the EuropeanUnion Conclusion
From the Paper "The "official" reasons for the emergence of the North American Free Trade Agreement are stated in Article 102 of the document. Specifically, the document states that all three signatories wish to eliminate barriers in trade and to facilitate the free movement of goods and services across the boundaries of the various territories. Article 102 also makes it clear that NAFTA is meant to promote "fair competition" and to increase investment opportunities for all three nations. As importantly as anything else, the document also delineates that the free trade accord is meant to ensure that intellectual property rights and the enforcement of intellectual property rights is carried out effectively and vigorously in all of the ratifying nations."
Abstract "This paper examines some of the costs and benefits of NAFTA for the Canadian economy. The author evaluates whether or not NAFTA could ever evolve into a more comprehensive alliance along the lines of the EuropeanUnion. The paper relates that, determining the value of NAFTA to Canada is not a clear-cut case of good or bad.
From the Paper "There are a variety of benefits and costs for Canada when considering continued participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In fact, depending on who is questioned, the risks will alternately outweigh or underscore the benefits that NAFTA has to offer Canada. Determining the value of NAFTA, accordingly, is not a clear-cut case of good or bad. Instead, there are a myriad number of forces at work that can make NAFTA appealing in some instances but not others."
