From Maginot to Maastricht: Tracing the Development of a European Identity

• In Event: Historical Roots of Modern International Politics

Abstract

Debates surrounding the development of a European identity, especially in recent decades, have been at the forefront of European Union (EU) studies. Some believe there is no cohesive European identity (Arts and Halman, 2006; Fligstein et al., 2012). Others have argued that one exists and plays a significant role alongside national identities in European politics (Opp, 2005; McNamara, 2015). Despite disagreement on the cohesiveness and significance of a common European identity, these studies tend to agree on the importance of a unifying social force (in this case, a European identity) for deeper economic and political integration in Europe. In this paper, I address two research questions: first, to what extent has a European identity been operationalized for the purpose of European integration projects; and second, how has the evolution of each influenced the other? This paper examines the period from 1918 to 1992 – the end of the First World War up to the founding of the EU in its contemporary form. It addresses inter-war visions of European integration, the immediate aftermath of the Second World War and creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, and the multiple forms which the European Community has taken since. I argue that, while some conceptions of a European identity existed prior to integration projects, contemporary European integration was not initially influenced or aided by a conception of European identity. Further, this paper argues that European identity has evolved with, and in response to successive integration projects; from one based on technology and innovation to one based predominantly on cultural factors. This paper adds significant contributions to literature about the nature of European identity, its characteristics, and its operationalization for the purposes of European integration.

Author

• Eric Hubberstey