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Two functionalist logics of European Union polity formation under external threat: Evidence from a conjoint experiment

Author

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  • Alexandru D Moise

    (Department of Political and Social Sciences, 10185European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy)

  • Ioana-Elena Oana

    (Department of Political and Social Sciences, 10185European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy)

  • Zbigniew Truchlewski

    (Department of Political Science, 1234University of Amsterdam, Florence, the Netherlands
    Robert Schuman Center for Advanced Studies, 10185European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy
    London School of Economics, European Institute, London, UK)

  • Chendi Wang

    (Department of Political Science and Public Administration, 1190Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

Abstract

The Russian invasion of Ukraine challenged the European Union (EU) polity exceptionally, affecting many policy domains. We argue that the external threat triggers different logics of (in)security which can result in polity formation across policies. Two functionalist logics put pressure on the EU to centralize policies that (a) help it meet the geopolitical challenge set by Russia and (b) maintain unity among member states in the face of the challenge. We test this theory with a conjoint survey experiment in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Hungary, where we vary refugee, energy, costs of living, and defense policies. Our results show that there is strong solidarity for sharing the costs of refugees, which cuts across ideological and identitarian groups, and across countries. Other policy areas show more contentious support.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandru D Moise & Ioana-Elena Oana & Zbigniew Truchlewski & Chendi Wang, 2025. "Two functionalist logics of European Union polity formation under external threat: Evidence from a conjoint experiment," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 369-392, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:26:y:2025:i:2:p:369-392
    DOI: 10.1177/14651165251320870
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexandru D. Moise & Chendi Wang, 2025. "Division and unity: Voter and party perspectives on EU integration under external threat," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 296-309, June.
    2. Philipp Genschel, 2025. "Conclusion – external threat and internal divisions: How the war in Ukraine shapes mass politics in the EU," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 442-450, June.
    3. Ioana-Elena Oana & Alexandru D Moise & Zbigniew Truchlewski, 2025. "Demand-side constraints on European solidarity for energy sanctions: Experimental evidence from seven EU countries," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 344-368, June.
    4. Chendi Wang & Argyrios Altiparmakis, 2025. "What happened to Putin’s friends? The radical right’s reaction to the Russian invasion on social media," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 393-417, June.
    5. Alexandru D Moise & Chendi Wang, 2025. "Appeasement or solidarity? Uncovering the drivers of European public opinion on the EU’s foreign policy," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 418-441, June.

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