Power Politics and the Making of the European Community: Cornell Studies in

Abstract

This article explores the role of power politics in the development of the European Community (EC). The author argues that the EC was not simply the product of economic or functional imperatives, but was also shaped by the political interests of the member states. The article provides a detailed historical analysis of the EC's development, paying particular attention to the role of France and Germany. The author concludes that the EC was a product of both power politics and cooperation, and that it has been a major force in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe.

Europe United: Power Politics and the Making of the European Community (Cornell Studies in Security Affairs)

by Sebastian Rosato

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages
Item Weight	:	9.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 1.03 x 7.76 inches

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The European Community (EC) is one of the most successful examples of regional integration in the world. It has grown from six founding members in 1957 to 28 members today, and it has played a major role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe. The EC has been a force for peace and stability, and it has helped to promote economic growth and prosperity. However, the EC has also been criticized for being too bureaucratic and for lacking democratic accountability. Despite these criticisms, the EC remains a major player in world affairs, and it is likely to continue to play a significant role in the years to come.

The origins of the EC can be traced back to the end of World War II. The war had left Europe devastated, and there was a widespread desire for peace and cooperation. In 1951, the six founding members of the EC (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) signed the Treaty of Paris, which established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The ECSC was a supranational organization that gave the member states a common market for coal and steel. The ECSC was successful in promoting economic cooperation, and it helped to lay the foundation for the EC.

In 1957, the six founding members of the EC signed the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community (EEC). The EEC was a more ambitious project than the ECSC, and it aimed to create a common market for all goods and services. The EEC was also successful in promoting economic cooperation, and it helped to create a more integrated European economy. The EEC was renamed the European Community (EC) in 1993, and it was renamed the European Union (EU) in 2009.

The EC has been a major force in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe. The EC has helped to promote peace and stability, and it has helped to create a more prosperous Europe. However, the EC has also been criticized for being too bureaucratic and for lacking democratic accountability. Despite these criticisms, the EC remains a major player in world affairs, and it is likely to continue to play a significant role in the years to come.

The Role of Power Politics

The development of the EC was not simply the product of economic or functional imperatives. It was also shaped by the political interests of the member states. The most important of these interests was the desire for security. After World War II, the member states were determined to prevent another war from breaking out in Europe. They believed that the best way to do this was to create a common market that would make it more difficult for countries to go to war against each other. The EC was also seen as a way to counterbalance the power of the United States and the Soviet Union. The member states believed that by working together, they could have a greater say in world affairs.

The desire for security was not the only factor that shaped the development of the EC. The member states also had economic interests. They believed that by creating a common market, they could increase trade and economic growth. The EC was also seen as a way to protect the member states from the effects of global economic competition. The member states believed that by working together, they could create a more prosperous Europe.

The political and economic interests of the member states were not always aligned. This led to tensions within the EC. The most important of these tensions was the Franco-German rivalry. France and Germany were the two most powerful countries in the EC, and they often competed for leadership. This rivalry sometimes led to gridlock in the EC, but it also forced the two countries to work together. The Franco-German rivalry was a major factor in the development of the EC, and it continues to be a factor in the EU today.

The Role of Cooperation

The development of the EC was not only the product of power politics. It was also the product of cooperation. The member states were willing to work together to achieve their common goals. This cooperation was essential to the success of the EC. The member states were able to overcome their differences and work together to create a more united and prosperous Europe.

The cooperation between the member states was not always easy. There were many disagreements and setbacks along the way. However, the member states were committed to the EC, and they were willing to work together to overcome the challenges they faced. The cooperation between the member states was a major factor in the success of the EC, and it continues to be a factor in the EU today.

The EC is a complex and multifaceted organization. It is a product of both power politics and cooperation. The member states of the EC have been able to overcome their differences and work together to create a more united and prosperous Europe. The EC has been a major force in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe, and it is likely to continue to play a significant role in the years to come.

Europe United: Power Politics and the Making of the European Community (Cornell Studies in Security Affairs)

by Sebastian Rosato

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages
Item Weight	:	9.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 1.03 x 7.76 inches

FREE