Sweden and Poland Entering the EU: Comparative Patterns of Adaptive Organization and Cognition
Sweden and Poland Entering the EU: Comparative Patterns of Adaptive Organization and Cognition This is a comparative study of how elites in Sweden and Poland approach and make sense of EU membership. It begins with the observation that whereas a lot of research in the field of European integration exists, relatively few studies focus upon the cognitive complexity involved in national strategic policy choices related to different phases of EU enlargement. The aim is to explore, compare and contrast the organizational and cognitive aspects of how Sweden and Poland entered the EU and thereby to contribute to an understanding of how national policymakers in Europe believe that the parallel processes of national and supranational integration can be forged together. The empirical analysis covers how adaptation to the EU was organized in Sweden (1988-1994) and in Poland (1998-2004), as well as interviews with strategic actors in both enlargement processes. A fresh contribution to cross-national understanding of adaptation to the EU comes with the cognitive model which is developed on the basis of empirical study. Moving beyond the simple dichotomy of Enthusiasts and Skeptics in the EU discussion, Voluntarists and Pragmatists are introduced as equally vital strategic categories.