National Strategies in the Integration Dilemma: An Adaptation Approach

Abstract

The article attempts to fill a lacuna in integration theory by developing a theory of national integration policy. It argues that integrating states face an integration dilemma, which they handle by various coping strategies. The article applies adaptation theory to explore these strategies and the general policy modes in which they are embedded. It argues that balancing, i.e. a 'give and take' approach, is the most likely policy mode, but that other defensive or offensive strategies may also be used. The argument is illustrated by an analysis of Denmark's integration policy.

The European Union's Africa Policy: The Result of Nordicization or Europeanization?

“…The hypothesis of the Nordic's significant impact on the European Union's Africa policy builds on the assumption that the small Nordic states are able to influence international affairs by means of their particular 'soft' powers, namely their special values, norms and ideas, and not by means of their economic and military power (Petersen 2000). According to the so-called small state theory, influence is not only a question of possessing power.…”

“…Coalition-building is considered a particularly important condition for small states to influence international affairs. By working in international organizations like the European Union and the UN, the Nordics are able to contribute to shaping them and also to forming their policies, it is argued (Petersen 2000;Thorhallsson and Wivel 2006, 658ff). The 'scope for success for small states is significantly enhanced when coalitionbuilding is seen as neutral and impartial and aimed at upgrading the common interest', it is pointed out (Jacobsen 2009, 87; also Thorhallsson and Wivel 2006, 658ff).…”

Rethinking European Union foreign policy

“…Cooperative intergovernmentalism corresponds to theories of functionalism (Mitrany 1966), of adaptation (Rosenau 1970;Petersen 1998) and of maximisation of the national interest and/or convergence of preferences (Milward 1992;Moravcsik 1993;Pfetsch 1994). Illustrations of this type of European foreign policy are reflected in various forms of ad hoc bi-and multilateral cooperation between EU member states in the field of foreign policy.…”

Environmental Implications of Eastern Enlargement: The End of Progressive EU Environmental Policy?

“…Elsewhere Petersen [1998a] formulates a general theory of national integration in the EU that is based on the premise of adaptation theory. This assumes that foreign policy consists of policymakers' actions to manipulate the balance between their society and their external environment in order to secure an adequate functioning of societal structures in a situation of growing interdependence [Petersen, 1998a].…”

“…This assumes that foreign policy consists of policymakers' actions to manipulate the balance between their society and their external environment in order to secure an adequate functioning of societal structures in a situation of growing interdependence [Petersen, 1998a]. Depending on the balance between the degree of control over the external environment (influence capacity) and the degree of sensitivity to it (stress sensitivity) a state can pursue four types of integration strategies.…”