Foreign Relations Federalism: The EU in Comparative Perspective

The book "Foreign Relations Federalism: The EU in Comparative Perspective" compares the constitutional frameworks of four federal unions: the United States, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union. It examines how foreign relations are conducted in these unions and highlights the EU's unique position as its foreign affairs constitution continues to evolve. The book offers critical and constructive legal analysis of this change, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the EU's constitutional development, the role of the EU in foreign affairs, and the constitutional treatment of foreign relations in federal unions other than the EU.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Foreign Relations Federalism: The EU in Comparative Perspective delves into the intricate dynamics of how foreign relations are constitutionally structured within federal unions. It provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the constitutional frameworks governing foreign affairs in four federal unions: the United States, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union. The European Union holds a unique position within the book, as its foreign affairs constitution has undergone significant evolution since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force over a decade ago. New institutional practices and legal cases continue to shape the EU's foreign affairs landscape, necessitating a rapid pace of constitutional change. This book serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the EU's constitutional development, its role in foreign affairs, and the broader constitutional treatment of foreign relations in federal unions beyond the EU.

In the United States, the Constitution grants the president the primary authority to conduct foreign affairs, with Congress playing a secondary role. The president is responsible for appointing ambassadors, negotiating treaties, and representing the United States in international organizations. The Constitution also establishes the United Nations as an important international body, with the president having the power to veto UN resolutions.

In Canada, the Constitution divides foreign affairs powers between the federal government and the provincial governments. The federal government is responsible for international trade, foreign policy, and defense, while the provincial governments have jurisdiction over matters such as immigration, natural resources, and provincial law. The Canadian Constitution also recognizes the importance of the United Nations and other international organizations.

In Belgium, the Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with both the federal government and the regional governments having their own powers. The federal government is responsible for foreign affairs, defense, and justice, while the regional governments have jurisdiction over education, social welfare, and cultural affairs. The Belgian Constitution also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the European Union.

In contrast, the European Union operates under a supranational constitutional framework, where member states delegate certain foreign affairs powers to the EU. The EU's foreign affairs constitution, known as the Treaty on European Union, includes a range of provisions that govern the EU's external relations, including trade, security, and immigration. The EU also has a separate legal system, the European Court of Justice, which plays a crucial role in interpreting and enforcing EU law.

One of the key differences between the EU's foreign affairs constitution and those of other federal unions is the level of integration and coordination. The EU operates as a unified entity, with member states sharing common policies and values. The EU's foreign policy is developed through a complex process of negotiation and consensus, with member states working together to address global challenges. In contrast, other federal unions may have more decentralized foreign affairs structures, with each member state maintaining its own foreign policy and diplomatic relations.

Another difference is the role of the European Court of Justice. The EU's legal system is based on the principle. The European Court of Justice plays a central role in interpreting the interpretation and enforcement of EU law, ensuring that member states comply with their obligations under EU law. In contrast, other federal unions may have different legal systems, with each member state having its own court system and legal tradition.

In conclusion, Foreign Relations Federalism: The EU in Comparative Perspective provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of how foreign relations are constitutionally structured within federal unions. By comparing the constitutional experiences of the EU to those of other federal unions, the book contributes to fulfilling the need for critical and constructive legal analysis of that change. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the EU's constitutional development, the role of the EU in foreign affairs, and the broader constitutional treatment of foreign relations in federal unions beyond the EU. The book offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the constitutional framework in which foreign relations are conducted in four federal unions: the United States, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union. The EU takes up a special position in the book. Over a decade since the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force, the EU's foreign affairs constitution continues to evolve. New institutional practices emerge and cases continue to be brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union. The pace of constitutional change is fast, and there is a sustained need for critical and constructive legal analysis of that change. By comparing the constitutional experience of the EU to that of other federal unions, Foreign Relations Federalism contributes to fulfilling this need. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the EU's constitutional development, the role of the EU in foreign affairs, and the constitutional treatment of foreign relations in federal unions beyond the EU.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 33 x 165 x 241 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192844569