Review:
Intergovernmentalism
overall review score: 3.5
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score is between 0 and 5
Intergovernmentalism is a theory of European integration that emphasizes the sovereignty and decision-making authority retained by national governments. It posits that international cooperation occurs through negotiations between sovereign states, with decisions typically requiring consensus or unanimity, rather than supranational governance structures overriding national will.
Key Features
- Emphasis on national sovereignty and independence
- Decision-making through intergovernmental negotiations
- Consensus or unanimity as the basis for agreement
- Limited transfer of power from nation-states to supranational institutions
- Frequent reliance on treaties, agreements, and diplomatic negotiations
Pros
- Respects national sovereignty and political independence
- Allows states to retain control over their policies
- Facilitates flexibility in international agreements
- Prevents overreach by supranational bodies
Cons
- Can lead to slower decision-making processes
- May hinder deep integration or harmonization of policies
- Potentially limits the effectiveness of collective action solutions
- Risk of unequal influence among member states