The Hollow State: The Influence of European Integration on Political Parties and the State

The hollow state is a metaphor for the process in which the position of the nation-state is weakened, as authority is transferred to the EU level or regional level (horizontal shift) & to the private domain (vertical). We argue that the analysis of this process should not focus narrowly on forma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Res publica (Bruxelles) 2005-01, Vol.47 (1), p.5-18
Main Authors: Binnema, Harmen, Vergunst, Noel P
Format: Article
Language:dut
Subjects:
Autonomy
European Union
Political Change
Political Integration
Political Parties
Political Power
Sovereignty
States (Political Subdivisions)
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Summary:The hollow state is a metaphor for the process in which the position of the nation-state is weakened, as authority is transferred to the EU level or regional level (horizontal shift) & to the private domain (vertical). We argue that the analysis of this process should not focus narrowly on formal rules & sovereignty, but that the most fruitful approach is a thorough empirical assessment of the changes taking place in various aspects of the nation-state. Moreover, the scope should be broadened to include the transformation of political decision making: from government to governance. In particular, we discuss the consequences for the functioning of political parties. We conclude that member states indeed lose policy autonomy to EU integration, & have to share authority with several other actors. Yet, because of its ability to adapt to external challenges, the state remains a relevant & important entity. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:0486-4700