Parliamentary Agency and Regional Integration in Europe and Beyond: The Logic of Regional Parliaments

This comparative book analyzes the development of regional integration parliaments in three different continents and assesses their expansion and current stage of institutional development. It argues that parliamentary agency has impacted the institutional development of these parliaments, leading to diverse paths of regional parliamentarization. It will be of interest to scholars and students of global and regional governance, comparative regionalism, European Union studies, legislative studies, and international relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comparative book delves into the evolution of regional integration parliaments across three continents of the world. It conducts a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the expansion and current stage of institutional development of three regional assemblies: the European Parliament, the Pan-African Parliament, and the Mercosur Parliament for Latin America. By focusing on parliamentary agency, the book aims to answer why and to what extent these regional parliaments have evolved differently in terms of their functions and legislative competences. Drawing on a wealth of new and original empirical data, official documents, and secondary literature, the book delves into the critical junctures in the trajectory of these three assemblies and argues that parliamentary agency has played a significant role in shaping their institutional development, leading to diverse paths of regional parliamentarization.

This book holds immense value for scholars and students engaged in the fields of global and regional governance, comparative regionalism, European Union studies, legislative studies, and more broadly, international relations, history, law, political economy, and international organizations. It provides a rich and insightful examination of the dynamics and complexities of regional integration, offering valuable insights into the role of parliaments in shaping the political and economic landscape of the world.

The European Parliament, as one of the oldest and most established regional assemblies, has undergone significant expansion and development. It began as a consultative assembly with limited legislative powers and has since grown into a powerful institution with a broad range of responsibilities. The European Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping EU policies, representing the interests of its member states and engaging in legislative debates and negotiations.

The Pan-African Parliament, on the other hand, is a relatively newer institution that seeks to promote regional integration, democracy, and good governance in Africa. It has made significant strides in establishing itself as a legitimate and influential body, with a growing membership and a mandate to address issues such as poverty, conflict, and human rights. The Pan-African Parliament has also played a key role in promoting regional cooperation and integration, particularly through the African Union.

The Mercosur Parliament, as the largest regional integration bloc in South America, has undergone a similar trajectory of expansion and development. It was established as a customs union among several South American countries and has since evolved into a political and economic union with a strong emphasis on trade and economic cooperation. The Mercosur Parliament has played a significant role in shaping regional policies and promoting economic integration among its member states.

The book explores the factors that have influenced the development of these regional parliaments, including historical, political, and economic factors. It examines the role of regional institutions, such as the European Union and the African Union, in shaping the institutional development of these parliaments. It also analyzes the impact of parliamentary agency, including the influence of party politics, interest groups, and individual lawmakers, on the legislative process and decision-making.

One of the key findings of the book is that parliamentary agency has played a significant role in shaping the institutional development of these regional parliaments. The book argues that the different paths of regional parliamentarization can be attributed to the varying degrees of parliamentary agency and the role that parliaments have played in shaping the political and economic landscape of their respective regions. For example, the European Parliament has developed a strong legislative role and has been able to influence EU policies through its participation in the legislative process. In contrast, the Pan-African Parliament has focused more on promoting regional cooperation and integration, with a less developed legislative role.

The book also highlights the challenges that these regional parliaments face in their development. These challenges include the need for greater institutional legitimacy, increased representation, and enhanced legislative powers. The book argues that these challenges can be addressed through measures such as strengthening the role of regional institutions, promoting greater political participation, and enhancing the legislative capacity of these parliaments.

In conclusion, this comparative book provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of regional integration parliaments across three continents of the world. It offers valuable insights into the factors that have influenced the institutional development of these parliaments and the role that parliamentary agency has played in shaping their trajectory. The book will be of key interest to scholars and students of global and regional governance, comparative regionalism, European Union studies, legislative studies, and more broadly, international relations, history, law, political economy, and international organizations.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695422