More integration or more disintegration in the European Union?

A sociological perspective

Authors

  • Lora Hadzhidimova Old Dominion University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.40.2

Keywords:

debate, disintegration, European Union, integration, sociology

Abstract

This paper analyzes the scholarly debate about integration in the European Union; its emergence, evolution and current state.  It examines works employing theoretical and problem-driven approaches, dedicated to analyzing integration as their main object. The findings suggest that the debate has progressed significantly - a fact evident by the change of the initial question with which scholars engaged – whether international organizations and institutions have a future as independent entities. The way the EU integration was explored has also gradually shifted from paradigmatic debates, mostly between realists and liberalists, to diverse problem-driven contributions. This new, pragmatic approach is preferred as an effort to better explain the complex question of the EU integration in times of crises. An assessment of this debate is required to improve the quality of the future research agendas, methodological approaches, and policy recommendations of the field.

Author Biography

Lora Hadzhidimova, Old Dominion University

Lora Hadzhidimova is a PhD candidate in International Studies with a focus on Security Studies at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. She earned her MA degree in Humanities at ODU and holds an LL.M. degree from Sofia University, Bulgaria. Previously, she completed internships with the Operational Analysis branch in NATO-ACT and the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA.

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Published

2019-03-01

How to Cite

Hadzhidimova, L. (2019). More integration or more disintegration in the European Union? A sociological perspective. Politikon: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science, 40, 28–47. https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.40.2

Issue

Section

Research articles