How well is neo-functionalism still able to account for the evolution Essay

How well is neo-functionalism still able to account for the evolution of the European Union - Essay Example Studied critically, the EU policies positions Europe as a silent superpower having power that equals or supersedes the one held by US in almost all aspects expect that of deployment of military forces (Moravscik, 2005, p. 349). The European Commission receives preferential treatment and recognition in international secretariats as the powers of the European Parliament continue to increase steadily over years. From 1950s, scholars have described European Union as an institution on an upward growth path and in course of achieving ever closer ties (Moravcsik 2005, 350). He asserts that such thinking is linked to neo-functionalism, forming one of the two main theories considered in analyzing EU integration; neo-functionalism and inter-governmentalism (Moga 2009, 796). Both theories have been criticized, amended although they consist of strong theoretical arguments useful in understanding integration. The theory of neo-functionalism emerged in mid 1950s and is used to explain regional integration where countries do away with barriers to trade to enforce free trade. Neo-functionalism is heavily connected to the strategies used in integration (Rosamond 2000, 10). Jean Monnet, described by various authors as the principal architect of the European integration and a founding father of EU adopted an approach that aimed at bringing integration in similar sectors with an aim of bringing attaining spi llover effects which would further the integration process (Rosamond 2000, 11). The theory was developed by Earns Haas where he reformulated the principles of functionalist and analyzed them in the context of regional organizations. Neo-functionalist views integration as driven by creation of institutions although they were not originally aimed to do this. Neo-functionalism postulates that with the formation central supranational sate, the role of nationalism and national states declines. In addition to positive spill over, the other mechanisms seen as driving integration include technocratic automaticity and change of domestic alliances (Moga 2009, 796). An example of positive spill over is a situation in which a sector such as coal and steel under the governance of a single central institution cause so much pressure to the other associated areas of policy including taxation and wages and influences integration (Wallace 2004, 15). Change in domestic alliance happens when various st ate interest groups, elites and associations transfer their loyalty to supranational institutions and away from national institutions. This is usually fuelled by a realization that supranational institutions offer better paths for achieving the desired goals rather than national institutions (Wallace 2004, 16). This leads to grouping of individuals having pro-European ideas and persuades national leaders to shift their alliance to an integrated region (Wallace 2005, 17). Technocratic automaticity views integration as being boosted by supranational institutions which become stronger than member states. This paper will evaluate how well neo-functionalism can still be used to account for the evolution within the European Union and the discussion will be based on the various developments that have occurred during the past two decades. Inter- govermentalism looks at integration from

The Matrix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The Matrix - Essay Example The movie borrowed heavily from eastern philosophy in general and philosophy from the Indian subcontinent in particular. The theory of the unreality of human life is something that the movie has in common with the theories of Hinduism. The illusory nature of life and its manifestations is something that the movie explores and this is true as far as the Hindu conception of life is concerned. The overarching controlling force in The Matrix is not, however, god, as it is in Hinduism. There are other influences as well, as far as The Matrix is concerned. The movie has references to Christian figures and theology as well. Neo, in the movie, is often referred to as ‘the one’, in a reference to Jesus Christ. Morpheus prepares the way for the messianic Neo, in a manner similar to that of John the Baptist. The figure of Trinity too is one that evokes associations with the Christian concept of the holy trinity. As a result of this, one may see the different characters as not themselves but as personifications of the different values that the creators of the movie feel civilization has lost as a result of technology and industrialization. The different characters can also be seen to be representations of the modern man. The movie critiques the condition of modern man whereby he is comfortable in the world of illusions that he finds himself in. The character of Cypher is one that shows how man wishes and craves for the comfort of illusions in an attempt to escape the responsibilities of real life. The lack of meaning is also something that haunts the modern man. Neo’s search for any kind of a meaning to his life is something that is referred to throughout the movie and this is what prompts him to take the risks that he does. The risks that characters like Morpheus and Trinity take during the course of the movie are also the result of this haunting need for meaning, something that is denied to the