Theories of Integration

Abstract

A survey of European security cooperation from 1945 to the present requires certain tools of analysis to understand the dynamics behind integration in this field. This will not only shed light on some recurring patterns, but also aid in the analysis of some of the problems in maintaining security cooperation in Europe. The structure of this study is divided into five consecutive periods of the postwar era in Europe. Within each period the reasons behind cooperation in security differed according to the conditions and events prevalent in each of them. Theories of integration developed mainly during this time, and generally each theory emerged in response to the problems and requirements concerning integration within each period. It must be pointed out that the theories examined here were not developed in relation to the issue of security cooperation exclusively, but within the context of the overall integration process. As events progressed, and the shortcomings of certain theories became apparent, new theories emerged or revisions of previous theories occurred as an acknowledgement of historical facts which did not always correspond to the prescriptive nature of theories. This continuous dialectic between theory and historical change took place throughout this period, as analysts sought to understand and explain the dynamics behind integration and to explain the functioning of institutions as a cause of, or a condition for maintaining integration and cooperation.