Neofunctionalism

Ernst Haas

Assumptions

• (i)                  Regional basis• (ii)                Central institutions crucial• (iii)               Advanced industrial societies• (iv)              International/domestic not dissimilar: • (v) The group• (v)                Interest groups• (vi)              Engrenage

• (vii)                  Group competition• (viii)                This needs to be exploited• (ix)               Group activity engenders

commitment• (x)              Gains stimulate integration• (xi)                Market place• (xii)              Not spontaneous• (xiii) Most active- economic

• (xiv)                  Controversial

• (xv)                Inherently expansive

• (xvi)               Task-expansion → loyalties

• (xvii)              Central institutions respond

• (xviii)                National groups

• (xix)              Compatibility

• (xx)             Spillover

• (xxi)                  Elite attitudes

• (xxii)                Not deterministic

• (xxiii)               Autonomous?

• (xxiv)              Procedural consensus

• (xxv)                Gradual convergence of styles

• (xxvi)              Coalition building

Criticisms

– (i)        underestimates central government power

• (ii)          pressure groups have not done job

• (iii)          national values

• (iv)          difficult to spot areas

• (v)           –ve effects