The Main Features of Federalism - Essay Example

European Union: The Process of Integration in Federalist or Functionalist Approach Prior to the World War II, the socialist political structure ofEurope was divided into various sovereigns and clash of power became evident, finally leading to the great massacre in the form of Second World War. Several political personalities as well as anti-socialist approaches opined that failure of socialism as a political philosophy to provide the Promised Land to common people played the main role behind developing the backdrop of the Great War II. On the other hand, socialists were of opinion that despite some of the socialist parties, in the name of expanding scope of the political philosophy attempted to exploit the same and consequently, helped the Third Reich in the War, however, socialism cannot be hold responsible for occurrence of the World War II; rather, it is due to the political segregation and quest to assert higher rate of sovereign supremacy over one another among the European States actually resulted in the disaster that was unobserved in the history of human civilization. The end of the World War II, naturally led to development of a sincere initiative for unification of the European States and consequent confusions whether Federalist or Functionalist approach should be encouraged in order to attain the goal, remained an area of major concern among political scientists and leader during this time. On one hand, Federalism wishes to divide power among the member nations and quite contradictory to the principles of developing a unitary state, it opposes centralization, constitutionally. Jacques Delores is of opinion that two basic features of federalism are: “1. the rule of autonomy, which preserves the identity of each member state and removes any temptation to pursue unification regardless; 2. the rule of participation, which does not allow one entity to be subordinated to another, but on the contrary, promotes cooperation and synergy, on the basis of the clear and well-defined provisions contained in the Treaty” (Delors 61). On the other hand, functionalism is regarded as the predominating theory in the context of developing international relations and it also is considered that in case of catering the principle of globalized approach among nations as well as their civilians for the purpose of unification and mutual enhancement, this theoretical discipline is highly effective. “The Ventotene Manifesto”, “Tragedy of Europe” speech by Winston Churchill, “The Schumann Declaration”, "Ferment of Change" by Jean Monnet and "A Necessary Union" by Jacques Delors can be considered as some of the most important doctrines that attempted to discussed the issues related to European Unification keeping in mind the aspects associated with federalism and functionalism. Thus, according to the functionalist policy, the states of Europe are required to sacrifice their individual sovereign existence and consequently, need to identify themselves as one nation that will be governed under one centralized power or a system of governance. Keeping in mind the vast geographical location of the continent, attainment of the dream would be a distant possibility. At the same time, the principles of universal brotherhood and ideals of globalized existence that makes the foundation of functionalism also cannot be denied, considering the demand of the situation. Thus, in each of the above mentioned doctrines, though the authors or speakers have emphasized on the issue of federalism, they also have provided considerable importance on fusing the essence of functionalism in their approach. In “The Ventotene Manifesto”, the author have decided to the deal with the issues related to Internationalism and reflected that traditional imperialist image of Europe to rest of the world needs to undergo immediate change so that the benefits of internationalized existence can be relished in a better way (Spinelli and Rossi 5). Consequently, for that purpose the idea of developing an “European Federation” has also been specified so that it acts as “single conceivable guarantee that relationships with America and Asiatic peoples can exist on the basis of peaceful cooperation … when the political unity of the entire globe becomes a possibility” (Spinelli and Rossi 5). Later, within the scope of their discussion, apart from asserting the importance of developing federalized European states, the unification of Europe relied to a great extent on the fused principles of federalism and functionalism. According to Jacques Delors federalist states would cooperate with each other and none would be subordinate to the other. While it has been suggested in “The Ventotene Manifesto” that formation of such an European army is required for breaking “economic autarchies, the backbone of totalitarian regimes” (Spinelli and Rossi 6) the issue of mutual assistance and equality during unification is asserted. Winston Churchill in his speech “The Tragedy of Europe” has identified that unification of Europe, to a great extent depends on mutual collaboration of France and Germany and that unification must occur, according to him, at the spiritual and moral level: “There can be no revival of Europe without a spiritually great France and a spiritually great Germany” (Churchill 10). He also has suggested that federalism is the only way that can make it happen but in case of enjoying the benefits of a globalized and internationalized existence, such federal existence will lead to functionalism, where all the major powers of the world “Great Britain, the British Commonwealth Nations, mighty America and … Soviet Russia” (Churchill 11) will strive together for development of a better world. Robert Schuman in “The Schuman Declaration” has spoken almost in the same tone as that of the British Prime Minister and has identified the “age-old opposition of France and Germany” (Schuman 14) as the main barrier against the goal of European Unification. While the economic and industrial collaboration of these two nations, in order to enhance the desired peace process has remained the main theme of his discussion, he also has asserted that federalism in Europe can only be attained if this aspect is materialized. Interesting, compared to others, while in their discussion the issue of globalized existence and principles of functionalism has attained special attention in their discussion, Schuman has remained entirely focused on strengthen the foundation of federalism, specifically in the European context. However, compared to all these approaches, Jean Monnet in “A Ferment of Change” has discussed the scope of European Unification in a detailed manner and within scope of his discussion he has encompassed each of the approaches that have already been reflected upon. While he has supported the arguments of Spinelli and Rossi that Europe needs to change its image to the rest of the world immediately (Monnet 21), he also has discussed the possibilities of economic and industrial collaboration between France and Germany (Monnet 21). Encouraging the federalist principles for Europe Unification while has not escaped his attention, additionally, the existence of some centralized power has also been evaluated (Monnet 23). It seems that he wishes to emphasize on the aspect that federalism in Europe for the purpose of unification will not be complete unless the states learn to adhere to the policies of some centralized powers such as, the European Parliament or the European Court of Justice. The prudence behind such observation becomes clear as he has practically realized that unless the states remain answerable to some centralized power, they, in due course of time, again will attempt to assert their respective supremacy. Federalism alone cannot ensure harmonious existence in this era of globalized existence. The unification of Europe is not only required for secularized existence but also for maintaining the peace process throughout the world (Monnet 26), and fusion of functionalist principles with that of federalism can only widen the path towards attainment of the goal. The rational to rely on federalism has also received almost the same kind of critical appreciation through discussion of Jacques Delors in “A Necessary Union”. While on one hand, he has emphasized that people are required to think beyond scope of nationalism and rejection of federalist principles will lead them again to destruction, the theme of universalism and functionalism has been emphasized when he has appealed for “thinking big”: “By “thinking big” I mean taking account of worldwide geopolitical and economic trends, the movement of ideas and the development of the fundamental values which inspite our contemporaries” (Delors 57). The process of unification and appreciation of humanism must begin from individualized level, and then only it is possible that nations will learn to value federalism and on a larger scale of global existence to the principles of functionalism: “Europe has always been the continent of doubt and questioning, seeking a humanism appropriate to its time …. The time has come to return to ideals, to let them penetrate our lives. Let us … consider … what will enable every man, every woman, to achieve their full potential in an awareness not only of their rights, but also of their obligations to others and society as a whole” (Delors 59). Thus, the issue of European Unification is not only relied on appreciation of federalism as a socio-political approach; rather consequent evaluation of functionalism is also important. Though each of the authors and speakers have asserted over importance of federalism for European unification, however, on a global scale, in order to maintain the peaceful existence the importance of fusing functionalism with federalism has also received implicit attention in their discussions. The unification of Europe has become necessary so that the global stability can be maintained in a better way and this noble goal can be attained only when benefits of both federalism and functionalism are evaluated as well as oriented according to the demands of a better existence. Work Cited Nelsen, Brent F. and Stubb, Alexander. The European Union: Readings on the Theory and Practice of European Integration. 3rd Ed. Colorado: Lynne Rienner. Read More