International
Relations-PSC 201
VU
LESSON
36
INTEGRATION
IN IR
What
is Integration?
Integration
seeks to build a relationship between
individual units, in which they are
mutually interdependent
and
jointly produce system properties,
which they would separately
lack. Several scholars
(Deutsch, Haas
and
Nye etc.) have argued
for supranational
integration
Dimensions
of Integration
The
domain
of
integration is the entire population of an integrated
geographic area (Whales and
England are
integrated
in the UK). The scope of
integration implies the specific
areas in which integration
occurs
(telegraphic
services amongst several nations
coordinated through International
Telecommunications
Union).
The
range
of
integration implies what the constituent units
gain or lose as a result of integrating.
Integration
into
the US enabled smaller states to
gain independence from the
British. The weight
of
integration implies
the
ability of an integrative relationship to remain
cohesive despite disruptive
elements.
Purposes
of Integration
·
Maintaining
peace between political
units
·
Attaining
multipurpose capabilities through
combination of economic power and
resources
·
Creating
a new sense of
identity
Preconditions
for Integration
I
Mutual
relevance based on prevailing
patterns of transactions and
communication between
different
political units
II
Joint
benefits for all concerned
units
III
Mutual
responsiveness and political
will to integrate
IV
Objective
compatibility or consonance of major
values of participating population,
permitting
corporation
amongst them to obtain
legitimacy
Functionalism
Functionalism
implies partial or gradual
amalgamation. Functionalism can help
avoid premature
amalgamation
and can provide a chance to
understand the habits and
skills of more far reaching,
stable and
rewarding
integration.
Assessing
Integration
Regional
or global governance could prevent the
traditional rivalry between
states, which is counter-
productive
and dangerous. Besides the
willingness of nations to let go of their
sovereignty and the
challenge
of
sustainability, there is a danger of
hegemonic designs dominating integrated
government systems.
Relevant
Vocabulary
Mutual
involving both
parties
Dominating
dominant or
Amalgamation
joining or lumping together
Premature
not yet mature or
ready
International
Relations-PSC 201
VU
Suggested
Readings
Students
are advised to read the
following chapters to develop a better understanding
of the various
principals
highlighted in this hand-out:
Relevant
sections in Chapter 13 and all of
Chapter 16 in `"A Study of
International Relations" by Dr.
Sultan
Khan
In
addition, students are
advised to read the following to develop
a better understanding of the various
principals
highlighted in this hand-out:
IR
and European Integration
Theory
aei.pitt.edu/archive/00000401/