This year the first new member states of the Eastern enlargement will join the EU. This refreshes also the debate about Turkey’s potential entry. No country has such a long time of appliance like Turkey and still there is the discussion if Turkey should join the EU at all. In the following I will explain why rational or constructivist reasons alone are not enough for explaining Turkey’s situation. I will try to show how the theory of Frank Schimmelfennig is needed to explain the enlargement of the EU. For this, Turkey will be my case study. First a general description of Schimmelfennig´s idea will introduce my case study before I will adapt his theory to the integration process of Turkey. Frank Schimmelfennig bases his theory on rationalism and constructivism. For him the enlargement of the EU cannot only be explained by rational arguments about costs, benefits and state preferences. But also pure constructivism has some gaps in explaining why the EU wants to have new members or why new members want to join the EU. [...]
Table of Contents
1. How is Constructivism Needed to Explain the Enlargement of the European Union? (Case-study: Turkey)
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines why neither rationalist nor constructivist theories alone are sufficient to explain the prolonged integration process of Turkey into the European Union, proposing that Frank Schimmelfennig’s theory of "rhetorical action" provides the necessary framework to understand this complex diplomatic stalemate.
- The intersection of rationalism and constructivism in EU enlargement theory.
- The historical context and strategic importance of Turkey's relationship with the EU.
- The application of "rhetorical action" as a mechanism for norm-based argumentation in international politics.
- Challenges related to Copenhagen criteria, geographical proximity, and cultural identity.
- The influence of international security concerns and political credibility on enlargement decisions.
Excerpt from the Book
How is Constructivism Needed to Explain the Enlargement of the European Union? (Case- study: Turkey)
This year the first new member states of the Eastern enlargement will join the EU. This refreshes also the debate about Turkey’s potential entry. No country has such a long time of appliance like Turkey and still there is the discussion if Turkey should join the EU at all. In the following I will explain why rational or constructivist reasons alone are not enough for explaining Turkey’s situation. I will try to show how the theory of Frank Schimmelfennig is needed to explain the enlargement of the EU. For this, Turkey will be my case study. First a general description of Schimmelfennig´s idea will introduce my case study before I will adapt his theory to the integration process of Turkey.
Frank Schimmelfennig bases his theory on rationalism and constructivism. For him the enlargement of the EU cannot only be explained by rational arguments about costs, benefits and state preferences. But also pure constructivism has some gaps in explaining why the EU wants to have new members or why new members want to join the EU. Constructivism just focuses on the collective identity which some states share but ignores the important parts of rationalism, like the intergovernmental bargaining between member states.
Summary of Chapters
How is Constructivism Needed to Explain the Enlargement of the European Union? (Case-study: Turkey): The introductory chapter outlines the research question regarding the utility of Frank Schimmelfennig's theory of rhetorical action in understanding Turkey's long-standing candidacy for European Union membership.
Keywords
Constructivism, Rationalism, European Union Enlargement, Turkey, Rhetorical Action, Schimmelfennig, Liberal Norms, Collective Identity, Copenhagen Criteria, Foreign Policy, Integration Process, Political Credibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research?
The work investigates the integration process of Turkey into the European Union and evaluates why traditional theories like rationalism and constructivism fail to fully explain the complexities of this specific case.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study centers on EU enlargement policy, the application of normative frameworks in international relations, the strategic use of political discourse, and the specific historical and geopolitical factors surrounding Turkey's candidacy.
What is the central research question?
The primary objective is to determine how Frank Schimmelfennig’s theory, particularly the concept of "rhetorical action," is required to interpret the tensions and diplomatic justifications surrounding Turkey’s potential EU membership.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper utilizes a case-study approach, analyzing Turkey's integration process through the theoretical lens of sociological institutionalism and rhetorical action to critique and bridge gaps in rationalist and constructivist approaches.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The text explores the definitions of 'drivers' and 'brakemen' within the EU, the requirements of the Copenhagen criteria, the role of cultural and religious perceptions, and the strategic manipulation of norms by both the EU and Turkey.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include constructivism, rhetorical action, EU enlargement, Turkey, collective identity, liberal norms, and political legitimacy.
How does the concept of 'rhetorical action' bridge the gap between constructivism and rationalism?
Rhetorical action allows states to use norm-based arguments strategically, providing a way for actors to justify their positions and interests in a manner that aligns with the community's liberal values while still pursuing state-specific goals.
What impact do security affairs have on the integration process of Turkey?
Post-11 September 2001, Turkey’s position as a 'bouncing member' between Western and Eastern worlds makes it increasingly necessary for European security, which creates a 'rhetorical trap' for those member states opposing Turkey's entry.
- Quote paper
- Sylvia Gradl (Author), 2004, How is Constructivism Needed to Explain the Enlargement of the European Union? (Case Study: Turkey), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/24842
