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Political Integration and National Sovereignty
When nations join with others in a trade or political bloc, they give up some national sovereignty. The European Union started out as a free trade zone and built considerable political integration over a period of several decades. But the EU is far from a unified state and far from a satisfactory Europe-wide democratic order, while substantial sovereignty still remains with the EU’s member governments. In a globalizing world, nations feel pressure to join trade and political pacts. Often, these international groupings erode national democracy while offering diminished accountability at the wider policy-making level. How, then, can trade pacts be subject to democratic accountability and how can integration proceed without losing the advantages of smaller-scale political process? The internationalists may be naive enthusiasts, while the nationalists may often be bigoted and reactionary. But somewhere in this debate lie the core issues of governance in a globalizing and integrating planet.
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Articles
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | Archived Articles
From Pan-Africanism to the Union of Africa (June 20, 2007)
Pan-Africanism emerged as a regional integration movement in the 1990s, centered on the struggle for social and political equality and the freedom from economic exploitation and racial discrimination. This paper discusses how Pan-Africanism was institutionalized in the form of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and in the present day African Union (AU) and how it still faces the challenges of conflict and underdevelopment. But serious discussions are under way to create a “United States of Africa” which will hopefully lead to greater unity among the African peoples. (Pambazuka)2008
Latin America's New Consensus (October 29, 2008)
Latin America countries have strengthened their relationship trough regional initiatives. “Bancosur,” a regional banking system allowing the countries to lend money from each other instead of the International Monetary Fund. Further, the regional cooperation in “Mercosur” increases regional integration and makes countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela less dependent on unfavorable cooperation with the US. (Foreign Policy in Focus)Secret EU Security Draft Risks Uproar with Call to Pool Policing and Give US Personal Data (August 7, 2008)
The Future Group – made up of interior and justice ministers from 6 European Union (EU) member states – issued a report that recommends establishing a “Euro-Atlantic area of cooperation” to enforce counter-terrorism measures. This alliance would require the EU to share information on its own citizens with the US, and calls for the creation of a “European Gendarmerie Force” which would be used for paramilitary interventions overseas. The report argues these integrationist steps between the EU and Washington are necessary to successfully combat terrorism. But, privacy laws in some EU member states stand in the way of this future alliance due to principles of confidentiality. (Guardian)Mediterranean Union May Be Stillborn (July 11, 2008)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy helped pioneer the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in July 2008. In the UfM, 27 EU Member States and 13 Maghreb and Arab countries will coordinate environmental, trade, and immigration policies. But, the union faces some opposition. Eastern European countries worry the UfM will “divert European financial resources and political attention” away from them, and Spain and Germany feel that France is trying to promote its own interests, not the interests of the EU. Some Arab and African members, such as Libya, argue the union exists so that the Europeans can take their resources. (Inter Press Service)Europe's Century (June 17, 2008)
The article defines globalization as the “regionalization of international relations” and argues that the EU stands as a model of co-operation for other regional groupings such as the African Union (AU), ASEAN and Unasur. The AU has established a regional peacekeeping force, criminal court and common army to eliminate rivalries among its members. The author argues that such initiatives diminish the role of the US as a global superpower. (Guardian)The Problem With Europe (June 17, 2008)
According to this Strategic Forecasting article, Ireland’s rejection of the EU constitution ends the possibility of a European federation of countries and a collective foreign and defense policy. Sovereignty for smaller countries like Ireland is a cherished possession, and agreeing to a stronger European political union allows bigger players like France and Germany to exercise their power over smaller members. France recognized the impossibility of a politically stronger EU and started looking elsewhere to exercise its power, such as the Mediterranean basin.S American Nations Create Union to Boost Integration (May 23, 2008)
Twelve South American heads of state have established a Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to boost integration of political, economic, cultural, environmental, energy and infrastructure policies. The Union will strengthen the voice of the region and enhance its political power in global negotiations. “Together we will be much more sovereign,” said Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The plan for a regional defense body caused some controversy. Colombia who is fighting the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) refused to approve the proposal. (Xinhuanet)Southern Africa: Whither Regional Integration? (May 21, 2008)
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) constitutes one of the six regional organizations in Southern Africa that prioritize development and both economic and political integration. Since 1990, interference of the IMF and the World Bank has shifted SADC’s model of integration to a neo-liberal one, putting at risk development, SADC’s original purpose. In this interview, Dot Keet, policy expert on trade issues, insists on regional strategies to help each other in times of a financial, food, water and climate crisis. (Transnational Institute)State Building and the EU’s Supra-National Momentum (February 8, 2008)
The author argues that supranationality, “the core project of the EU,” is in danger as more and more small ethnic and regional entities seek independence. Several prosperous regions in Europe, such as Catalonia in Spain, are frustrated by poorer countries getting a seat at the EU table. They argue that they have more valid claim to independence due to their relative prosperity. The article suggests that the EU should rethink the distribution of power between regional, national and EU levels. (European Council on Foreign Relations)2007
Africa: Improved Regional Integration Still Key for Success (September 25, 2007)
The 2007 UNCTAD report argues for more regional cooperation between African countries. Agreeing with this idea, some economists suggest that the African economies “are more competitive than complimentary” and that they would benefit from diversifying production and reduce their dependency on primary product exports. To increase trade between the countries, they argue the countries should engage in greater monetary cooperation and in developing a common African currency. (Inter Press Service)Sovereignty, NAFTA Loom Large at Summit (August 22, 2007)
At the annual NAFTA summit, the US, Canada, and Mexico discussed how to secure borders while allowing the free flow of goods and services. But critics are concerned that NAFTA constitutes a “super-government” with no accountability to citizens who are directly affected by the agreements. In the US for instance, some fear that the decisions made by the Bush administration “may actually undermine the security and sovereignty of the US.” Meanwhile Mexico is concerned that the US is meddling in its internal affairs. (Christian Science Monitor)Region to Have Single Currency by 2012 (August 20, 2007)
The leaders of six East African countries, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, met to decide whether by 2012 East Africa will have a single currency and a common market, which will allow the free movement of people. Kenya and Uganda demonstrated great support for fast-tracking the East Africa political federation, whose goal is to have a federal president and parliament by 2013. Tanzania on the other hand is concerned that a federation may threaten its sovereignty and security and lead to corruption. (New Vision)Mercosur-Venezuela: Integration by Ultimatum (July 5, 2007)
This Inter Press Service article reports on how Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez told Mercosur nations they must approve Venezuela’s membership in the trade bloc within three months or he would withdraw the request to join it. Chávez considers Mercosur as a means for South American nations to come together against US economic and political influence in the region. But Mercosur member countries appear reluctant to break with US-style capitalism.Leaders Split Over African Unity (July 3, 2007)
On the final day of the African Union summit, the 53 African governments continue to struggle in reaching a common position over the extent of African economic and political integration. Some nations like Uganda favor economic integration but argue that African countries should only integrate politically with those “who are either similar or compatible.” Others such as Libya and Senegal express their readiness to immediately set up a pan-African government which could benefit Africa’s interests. This BBC article foresees that “the majority of African leaders are likely to call for a gradual approach, preferring to strengthen the existing regional blocs rather than signing away some of their own sovereignty.”Continental Government by 2015? (June 14, 2007)
This Inter Press Service article describes how the African Union (AU) summit will discuss how to move towards full political and economic integration on the continent leading possibly to a “United States of Africa.” Supporters of this program argue that such economic and political integration will benefit Africa and help the continent play a bigger role on the international stage. But critics are skeptical saying the program is too ambitious and that it would deprive countries of their sovereignty.Sarkozy's Proposal for Mediterranean Bloc Makes Waves (May 10, 2007)
This International Herald Tribune article reports on a proposal by newly elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy to create an economic union among Mediterranean countries – including Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The author argues that the proposal will encounter stiff resistance from Turkey as Ankara’s leaders believe that the bloc is being proposed as an alternative to Turkey joining the European Union.US and China Tug at ASEAN Unity (May 8, 2007)
This Asia Times article highlights one of the problems the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces in its attempts to unify. The author argues that ASEAN progress is increasingly hindered by US – China “competition for regional influence,” which only encourages bilateralism instead of the multilateralism the organization strives for.Happy to Be Outside the EU Club (March 20, 2007)
This BBC article discusses the reasons that four Western European countries have for not joining the EU. The author argues that tensions Switzerland and Liechtenstein have had with Brussels over their “lax” tax laws are reasons the two countries continue to opt out of EU membership. Additionally the author cites Norway and Iceland both of which refrain from membership because they do not want to sign on to the EU Common Fisheries Policy.One Step Forward, Two Back For ASEAN (February 22, 2007)
A number of “bilateral trade and investment spats” among the countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could undermine the organization’s attempt to create a regional free-trade area, reports this Asia Times piece. The majority of cross-border investment tensions – which usually involve Singapore – have a “nationalistic” component as politicians are unhappy about foreign investments made by ethnic-Chinese Singaporeans. The author argues that if these anti-Chinese sentiments continue not only will the goal of ASEAN be undermined, but China might stop investing so heavily in the region.In Lands of the Euro, A Growing Number of Local Currencies (February 7, 2007)
This International Herald Tribune article reports on the proliferation of alternative currencies – at least 21 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland – in lieu of the euro. Proponents of these regional currencies – the majority of which depreciate over time – believe that money should be spent quickly to fuel consumption and stimulate the economy. Additionally they are designed to “foster the production and consumption of local products and services” as the currencies are not accepted by non-participating establishments.Eastern Economic Union Takes Shape (February 6, 2007)
This Inter Press Service article highlights the attempt by the nine island-states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to further integrate by forming an economic union parallel to that of the larger Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). The author argues that CARICOM – of which the OECS countries are also members – is putting up some resistance to the plan because it fears that it will undermine the larger CARICOM economic union set to go into effect in 2008.An EU-Like Pact for ASEAN: A Distant Dream? (January 28, 2007)
This International Herald Tribune article argues that attempts by members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to create a free trade zone by 2015 – similar to the EU zone – will prove difficult to achieve. The author claims that integration will remain a challenge until domestic issues such as poverty, corruption and political instability are addressed.A Small Thorn in the EU's Side (January 23, 2007)
Twenty far-right nationalist politicians from a variety of countries have formed a coalition in the EU parliament in an attempt to halt further European integration. This Der Spiegel article argues that such a coalition – if it continues to grow and adopts a cohesive agenda – could mean trouble for the future of the European Union.2006
Mid-Life Crisis for ASEAN (December 16, 2006)
This Asia Times article highlights the problems that plague the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the wake of its canceled December 2006 summit. The author argues that ASEAN failures are due to the unwillingness of member states to create a strong central authority – similar to the EU Parliament – and the adoption of bilateral agreements in place of multilateral bargains.What Future for the African Union? (November 15, 2006)
This article by the European Center for Development Policy Management analyzes the progress of the African Union (AU) in the first four years since its transition from the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The author argues that the AU has succeeded in achieving recognition as a “legitimate” partner in the international arena and in developing an African peace and security architecture – by creating a Peace and Security Council – that will help maintain peace on the continent. However, the article concludes that the AU must work to ensure that member states see its institutions as “allies” and not as “competitors.”No Welcome for Serbia in the EU (October 2006)
The citizenry and politicians within the European Union increasingly “harden their attitudes” toward Eastern European countries, both those that have recently joined as well as those aspiring to enter. Many nationals in France and the United Kingdom, for example, fear that immigrants from Eastern European countries will take jobs away. This apprehension among Europeans results in the widespread perception that gaining membership will become increasingly difficult for countries such as Serbia, as tighter immigration controls and more stringent requirements will be implemented, prolonging the accession process for years. (Le Monde diplomatique)Adieu, Europe? (June 29, 2006)
The European Union finds itself in a stalemate, despite seeming to have bounced back from the 2005 rejection of the draft European constitution. The process of European integration has arrived at core areas of national sovereignty; the EU has reached the limits of the area traditionally viewed as Europe; and the Union finds itself the scapegoat for rising inequality throughout its member states. This openDemocracy article warns that the EU lacks the means to fulfil its own grand ambitions and must urgently re-prove its relevance.US Ponders Counteracting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (June 16, 2006)
The six member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) emphasized their right to self-determination in Central Asia, referring to increasing US geopolitical pressure in the region. Recognizing Central Asia’s vast oil resources, the conservative International Relations and Security Network proposes strategies for the US government to keep a strong geopolitical presence in the region and counter the rise of the SCO. (International Relations and Security Network)Is the EU Destined to Fail? (June 16, 2006)
This Globalist article argues that the European project is in trouble. Seen as irrelevant by many of its citizens, as responsible for economic woes by others, the EU also faces the challenge of resurgent nationalism. The author warns that European leaders, especially in Germany and Italy, must make Europe a top priority once again, otherwise “one of the greatest accomplishments of the 20th century will be at risk.”A Latin American Pipeline Dream (February 12, 2006)
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Venezuela have proposed building the world’s largest fuel pipeline across Latin America to promote regional economic development. Marking the “end of the Washington Consensus,” the agreement represents a new era of political and economic cooperation intended “to forge a new South American identity.” However, the governments involved have not agreed on how to finance the $20 billion project or what to do about the pipeline’s environmental impact. According to many experts involved with the project, the negotiations highlight as many divisions within the region as they do agreements. (Washington Post)Archived Articles
