European Integration Research: In Search of Theoretical Paradigm Cover Image

Europos integracijos tyrimai: teorinės paradigmos paieškos
European Integration Research: In Search of Theoretical Paradigm

Author(s): Vytautas Radžvilas
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla & VU Tarptautinių santykių ir politikos mokslų institutas

Summary/Abstract: This article is an attempt to overview the state of the theory of European integration and it’s development perspectives. Distinct and divergent “broad” and “narrow” definitions of integration theory, as well as various understandings of it’s meaning and purpose should be regarded as symptoms of it’s disintegration and fragmentation. In the absence of the broader theoreti cal paradigm “mosaic” picture of integration unfolds and gains dominance, thus preventing the understanding of deep and long-term tendencies of the integration process. The reconstruction and renewal of the theoretical paradigm of European integration research through the reflective restoration of the equilibrium between theoretical “explanation” and “understanding” is the necessary prerequisite for the development and progress in this research field.

  • Issue Year: 2009
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 31-67
  • Page Count: 37
  • Language: Lithuanian