This book discusses the causes and nature of political differentiation in Europe. It deals with the normative problem of differentiated integration, both in its vertical and horizontal dimensions, and addresses the problem of differentiation through a theory of democratic autonomy and dominance.

1 Introduction – The predicaments of differentiation.- 2 Autonomy versus arbitrary rule.- Part I: A politically differentiated Europe.- 3 Dimensions of political differentiation in Europe.- 4 Dominance through segmentation.- 5 Hegemony through self-inflicted subservience.- 6 Contested multilateral dominance.- Part II: Overcoming illicit divergence.- 7 Constituting power in Europe.- 8 Structural injustice and the paradigm of solidarity.- 9 Differentiation as a vehicle of integration.- 10 Conclusion.

This book discusses the causes and nature of political differentiation in Europe. It deals with the normative problem of differentiated integration, both in its vertical and horizontal dimensions, and addresses the problem of differentiation through a theory of democratic autonomy and dominance.  A politically differentiated EU could deprive people of their right to co-determine common affairs and have adverse effects for democratic self-rule. It could also take away the people’s ability to influence political decisions that they are ultimately affected by. This book argues that differentiation is not an innocent instrument for handling conflicts in interconnected contexts. The consequences of what might be a benign plea for sovereignty and independence can in fact lead to the opposite.Erik O. Eriksen is Professor of Political Science and Director of ARENA – Centre for European Studies at the University of Oslo, Norway. His main research fields are political theory, democratic governance, public policy and European integration. His publications include the following books: The Normativity of the European Union (2014) and The European Union’s Non-Members: Independence under Hegemony (co-edited with John Erik Fossum, 2015).

“In arguing that political differentiation is not an innocent and normatively neutral tool of European integration but unavoidably leads to segmentation, hegemony and domination and thus subverts any normatively meaningful conception of the integration process, Eriksen presents a major challenge to mainstream integration theory and practice. The book offers a vigorous normative analysis and vision, is circumspectly and persuasively argued and thus provides an irresistible invitation to engage with it for anyone concerned about the current state of European affairs and their future prospects.” (Rainer Schmalz-Bruns, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany) “By demonstrating that differentiation presents some major flaws that should not be ignored by its advocates, Eriksen, one of the world-leading scholars in European democratic theory, makes an essential contribution to the debate on the future of European integration.” (Benjamin Leruth, Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Australia) 

Argues that segmentation is the systemic effect of differentiation in the vertical dimension of integration Deals with ways to overcome harmful political differentiation Devises a new analytical framework for differentiation