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

Schütze, Robert

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
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1378997