"Dual Networks in the European Union"

Ansell, Christopher K. and Darden, Keith and Parsons, Craig. (1995) "Dual Networks in the European Union". In: UNSPECIFIED, Charleston, South Carolina. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

[From the introduction]. In order to escape these debates, our approach does two slightly paradoxical things. First, it claims greater ontological breadth than previous approaches, incorporating state actors and supra- and subnational actors, as well as the relations between all three. Second, however, it doesn't pretend to capture the dynamic(s) of European integration, but only a dynamic, which we argue may be an increasingly important one. The three core theoretical concepts of our approach are networks, duality, and structural balance. Networks emphasize a relational view of actors and their interaction. While previous approaches to European integration (and most of traditional political science) take actor identity and interests as defined by the actor's categorical attributes, sociological network theory portrays identities and interests as structured by the actor's position in various networks of relations with other actors (Wellman, 1988). This relational perspective raises the possibility that a single actor may derive multiple identitles and interests from multiple relationships (Simmel, 1955). Empirically, we point to the growth of networks of relationships connecting the EU Commission to subnational government within the context of EU regional policy.

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