CESAA 16TH ANNUAL EUROPE ESSAY COMPETITION 2008
POSTGRADUATE CATEGORY
Zielonka’s theory of the European Empire:
A Challenge to Theory and Practice of European Integration
Katrina Murray, Monash University
Abstract
The emergence of new theory to account for the sui generis phenomenon of European integration has produced a myriad of responses, challenging traditional approaches and creating new debates. This essay analyses just one of these responses, that is Zielonka’s model of Europe as a polycentric neo-medieval empire. He argues that Europe is developing into a body with soft border zones, multiple identities, divided loyalties and sovereignties with a multiplicity of overlapping institutions. Although the suggestion of a flexible and pluralistic Europe is not a new one, the way in which Zielonka presents this concept as an original and inventive model for European governance is worthy of further research and debate.
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