NCRE: Conference Contributions
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Open Access Patterns of Engagement: Europe-Asia Relations and Comparative Interregionalism(University of Canterbury. National Centre for Research on Europe, 2012) Doidge, MathewThis paper explores the differing approaches to conceptualizing interregionalism that have stemmed from two distinct periods in the evolution of these group to group structures: the periods of the old and the new in interregionalism. It notes the gap evident in the field of interregionalism the form of theory-guided comparative studies, and questions whether the field is yet in a position to begin filling this gap. In addressing this question, it explores the actorness-interregionalism framework of the post-bipolar period of new interregionalism, and the patterns of engagement that have begun to emerge in interregional EU-Asia relations, both in the bilateral interregional (EU-ASEAN) and transregional (ASEM) variants. It contends that these patterns are gradually becoming evident beyond the EU-Asia context, making the frameworks extrapolated from EU-Asia relations a potential foundation stone for the emergence of theory-guided comparative studies.Item Open Access A Normative Power Paradox? Theory and Change in European Union Development Policy(University of Canterbury. National Centre for Research on Europe, 2014) Doidge, MathewOne of the issues frequently raised when the EU's role as a normative actor is considered is that of consistency/variation in its approach. Much of this has centred around a norms–interests dichotomy, and the question as to which carries most weight. While political and economic interests have clearly played an important role in EU development policy, offering an explanation for much of the geographic differentiation in its application, our argument here is that apparent inconsistencies are not necessarily reducible to a violation of norms or the prioritising of interests, but may be explicable through recognition of a further factor – a 'theory filter'. From its inception in the form of Association following the signing of the Treaty of Rome, through the Yaoundé and Lomé Conventions and on to the Cotonou Agreement, the EU's approach to development has undergone a fundamental transformation over time. Nevertheless, the normative identity of the Union has, over the same period, remained relatively stable. Intrinsic to this has been the way in which development itself has been conceived and understood. Development theory has in effect acted as a filter through which European norms have passed into EU development policy, meaning that key changes in policy have been linked to the evolution in conceptual issues of development, rather than to inconsistent application of norms or the prioritisation of other interests. The paper explores this process, examining the linkage between policy change and conceptual change from the advent of Associationism in 1957 through to the present post-Cotonou and (soon) post-MDG period, with agreement on new global Sustainable Development Goals envisioned for 2015.