Interpreting Convergence in the European Union: Patterns of Collective Action, Social Learning and Europeanization

by C. Paraskevopoulos

Overview

Interpreting Convergence in the European Union introduces the idea of collective action as a prerequisite for achieving convergence and cohesion in the European Union. Institutional networks and social capital play a crucial role in influencing actors' preferences and shaping institutional interactions through the process of political exchange and socialization. Although the main focus of the book is on policymaking processes and governance structures in EU regional policy, its core theoretical hypotheses and conclusion are drawn from empirical research into the response of Greek regions to the challenges of Europeanization. This framework is applicable to almost all areas of EU public policymaking.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781349425013
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	01/01/2001
Edition description:	1st ed. 2001
Pages:	282
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

CHRISTOS J. PARASKEVOPOULOS is Research Associate at the London School of Economics European Institute. He has published articles in West European Politics, Regional and Federal Studies, Greek Political Science Review and TOPOS Review of Urban and Regional Studies. He has been nominated by the LSE /Government department for the 2000 British Political Science Association (PSA) Award.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures Preface Abbreviations Introduction Social Capital, Institutional Networks and Learning: Conceptualizing Governance in the Era of Globalization Social Learning and Adaptation in European Regional Policy Greece: Restructuring under Pressure or the Response to an External Shock Institutional Capacity and Policy Environment in the Southern Aegean Islands Policy Environment and Institutional Capacity in the Northern Aegean Islands Catching Up by Learning in European Structural Policy: Policy Networks and Adaptation in Southern Aegean Islands Neither Learning nor Leadership: Policy Networks and State-driven Adaptation in the Northern Aegean Island Conclusions: Social Capital, Institutional Learning and Adaptation in European Regional Policy, Implications for Integration Theory Notes Appendix: Descriptive Graphs Bibliography Index