This study will examine the idea of whether EU integration though deliberation is possible in a time where euroscepticism is continuously increasing across EU member states. On the basis of the theoretical groundwork done by German sociologist Jürgen Habermas, I will apply advanced quantitative methods to explore the empirical validity of a well-defined empirical hypothesis derived from a complex set of normative theoretical assumptions.
First, I will briefly introduce the research area, focusing on the distinction between two different kinds of theories about EU integration. Second, I will briefly review the key literature needed to understand the theoretical assumptions behind the research question. Next, I will state the research question …show more content…
In consequence, recent events such as the economic crisis and the latest EU elections have fostered intense debates around the legitimising basis of the EU, and whether the so-called democratic deficit indicates an upcoming EU downfall (HENVISNING ZIELONKA). In this case, the concept of integration within the EU becomes extremely relevant, as is produces questions such as: ‘What binds the European citizens together?’ and ‘What constitutes the EU and what should it look like?’. Based upon different theoretical as well as empirical approaches to these questions, there seems to be fundamental disagreements in the literature. One critical point about EU integration (let it be cultural, geographical, political or social) is whether the theoretical approach can be categorised as being normative or descriptive in nature. The latter approach, where the well-established integovernmentalist (Moravcik, 1998) and neofunctionalist (Wallace 1990) traditions has long been opinion-forming, deals predominantly with the identification of de facto characteristics of EU integration. Recently, however, these traditions has been heavily challenged, as researchers continuously try to find a solution to the democratic deficit (Balibar, …show more content…
Habermas’ argument for this is based on the basic theoretical assumption that human reason in political discourses is able to release itself from any cultural context (Habermas, 1996, p. 503). Thus, it becomes possible for citizens to reach an agreement on European political affairs, even when cultural differences are in mutual conflict. Furthermore, it is possible to decouple the universal norms of the constitution from the culture that the majority in a given nation expresses, without the political culture suffering (Habermas 2012, p. 13). If the process is successful, it becomes possible to promote political integration at a supranational level, and citizens in a state would recognise citizens of another state as legally equivalent (Habermas 2006, p.
First, I will briefly introduce the research area, focusing on the distinction between two different kinds of theories about EU integration. Second, I will briefly review the key literature needed to understand the theoretical assumptions behind the research question. Next, I will state the research question …show more content…
In consequence, recent events such as the economic crisis and the latest EU elections have fostered intense debates around the legitimising basis of the EU, and whether the so-called democratic deficit indicates an upcoming EU downfall (HENVISNING ZIELONKA). In this case, the concept of integration within the EU becomes extremely relevant, as is produces questions such as: ‘What binds the European citizens together?’ and ‘What constitutes the EU and what should it look like?’. Based upon different theoretical as well as empirical approaches to these questions, there seems to be fundamental disagreements in the literature. One critical point about EU integration (let it be cultural, geographical, political or social) is whether the theoretical approach can be categorised as being normative or descriptive in nature. The latter approach, where the well-established integovernmentalist (Moravcik, 1998) and neofunctionalist (Wallace 1990) traditions has long been opinion-forming, deals predominantly with the identification of de facto characteristics of EU integration. Recently, however, these traditions has been heavily challenged, as researchers continuously try to find a solution to the democratic deficit (Balibar, …show more content…
Habermas’ argument for this is based on the basic theoretical assumption that human reason in political discourses is able to release itself from any cultural context (Habermas, 1996, p. 503). Thus, it becomes possible for citizens to reach an agreement on European political affairs, even when cultural differences are in mutual conflict. Furthermore, it is possible to decouple the universal norms of the constitution from the culture that the majority in a given nation expresses, without the political culture suffering (Habermas 2012, p. 13). If the process is successful, it becomes possible to promote political integration at a supranational level, and citizens in a state would recognise citizens of another state as legally equivalent (Habermas 2006, p.