Trade Ties and Reconciliation

Abstract

This chapter examines the correlation between trade ties and reconciliation. Amounting evidences of the European experience have contributed to justify the causality between the two. Theoretical explanations have been, therefore, gradually consolidated. Built on the work of Mitrany (Mitrany, 1944), Ernst Haas (E. B. Haas, 1958), Hall/Taylor, Rosamond, and Nugent (Rosamond, 2000), Functionalism, Neo-functionalism and Neo-institutionalism (one Strand of the Integration theory) have been introduced in sequence to serve as strategies of peace-seeking, maintaining and prospering among post-conflict countries in Europe. It is claimed that under the condition of interdependence, “egoistic” countries could co-exist peacefully and cooperatively. Trade and other “functionalist” interdependence have minimized chances to solve problems through the use of armed force. The trend observed by existing scholarships is: the tighter trade ties, the easier countries find their way to reconciliation. This is the basic claim of interest-driven theory of reconciliation.