Q. Define democratic peace.
Highlight its basic norms and discuss how it played
a vital role in the political-economic integration of the European Union (EU).
Democratic Peace: Definition, Norms, and Role in the EU’s Integration
Democratic Peace: Democratic Peace is the idea that democratic countries rarely (or
never) go to war with each other. Instead, they prefer to solve conflicts through
diplomacy, trade, and cooperation.
Basic Norms of Democratic Peace:
1. Peaceful Conflict Resolution – Democracies prefer negotiations over war.
2. Shared Values – Democratic countries respect human rights, rule of law, and open
governance.
3. Economic Interdependence – Trade and cooperation reduce the chances of war.
4. Institutional Cooperation – International organizations (like the EU) help maintain
peace.
3. Role of Democratic Peace in the EU’s Political-Economic Integration
● After World War II, European leaders wanted to prevent another war. They
believed that if countries traded and worked together, war would be less likely.
This led to:
● Economic Cooperation – The European Coal and Steel Community (1951) tied
economies together, making war costly.
● Political Stability – The EU expanded democracy, ensuring member states
followed peaceful norms.
● Common Institutions – The EU created shared laws, a single market, and the
Euro, deepening trust.
4. Conclusion
The democratic peace theory helped transform Europe from a war-torn continent into a
united, peaceful, and prosperous EU. By promoting democracy, trade, and strong
institutions, the EU ensured that its members work together instead of fighting. This
proves that when democracies cooperate, peace and economic growth follow.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Democracies rarely fight each other.
✔ The EU used democracy, trade, and laws to unite Europe.
✔ Economic ties make war unprofitable.
✔ Strong institutions (like EU Parliament) keep peace stable.
This model shows how democratic peace can create long-term stability and prosperity.
_________________________________
Q. Discuss the basic norms of regional politico economic integration and
organisational structure of the Europe Union.
Basic Norms of Regional Politico-Economic Integration & Structure of the
European Union (EU)
Regional politico-economic integration refers to countries coming together to strengthen
economic and political cooperation. The European Union (EU) is the best example of
such integration. Below are the basic norms and the EU's organizational structure.
Basic Norms of Regional Integration:
1. Free Trade Area – No tariffs (taxes on imports) between member countries.
2. Customs Union – Common trade policies with outside countries.
3. Common Market – Free movement of goods, services, people, and money.
4. Economic & Monetary Union – Shared currency (like the Euro) and economic
policies.
5. Political Union – Countries work together on foreign policy, security, and laws.
Organizational Structure of the European Union (EU)
The EU has a complex structure with different institutions handling laws, budgets, and
policies.
1. European Council
Role: Sets the EU’s political direction.
Members: Heads of state/government of EU countries + President of the European
Council.
Example: Decides on major policies like Brexit.
2. European Commission (EC)
Role: Proposes laws, manages EU policies, enforces rules.
Members: 1 Commissioner from each EU country.
Example: Creates new plans to protect the environment.
3. European Parliament (EP)
Role: Passes EU laws & budget (with the Council).
Members: Elected by EU citizens (MEPs).
Example: Approves or rejects new laws.
4. Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)
Role: Represents governments, passes laws with Parliament.
Members: Ministers from each country (based on topic—finance, agriculture, etc.).
Example: Approves EU budget.
5. Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU)
Role: Ensures EU laws are applied correctly.
Example: Settles disputes between countries.
6. European Central Bank (ECB)
Role: Manages the Euro & monetary policy.
Example: Sets interest rates for the Eurozone.
7. Other Bodies
European Court of Auditors: Checks EU spending.
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC): Advises on social & economic
policies.
Conclusion
The EU is the most advanced example of regional integration, with free trade, common
policies, and shared institutions. Its structure ensures cooperation between member
countries while maintaining democracy and rule of law.
