The European Union: A Comprehensive Analysis

The European Union: An Overview

The European Union (EU) represents the economic and political integration of several European countries. It strives to safeguard cultural and linguistic diversity, symbolized by its flag and anthem. Established in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty, the EU currently comprises 27 member states.

Stages of Construction

  • 1951 Treaty of Paris: Established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), aiming to unify European economies.
  • 1957 Treaty of Rome: Created the European Economic
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The Holy Alliance and 19th Century European Politics

The Holy Alliance and Attempts to Restore the Old Order

Following Napoleon’s defeat, European powers convened in Vienna to reshape the continent. This conference, involving Austria, Russia, and Prussia, aimed to establish a new map of Europe and a political system underpinned by the ideology of The Holy Alliance.

The New Map of Europe

The redrawing of Europe’s map was justified by Napoleon’s defeat but was also influenced by the interests of countries like Austria, Prussia, Russia, and England.

The

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Understanding the European Commission and Council

The European Commission

The EU’s executive body, responsible for proposing and implementing EU laws, monitoring the treaties, and the day-to-day running of the EU.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Proposing laws to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
  2. Managing the EU’s budget and allocating funding.
  3. Ensuring that EU law is complied with (together with the Court of Justice).

Enforcement of EU Law

  • First, it launches a legal process called the “infringement procedure”: sending the government an
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The 1978 Spanish Constitution: Autonomy and Key Principles

The 1978 Constitution and the Rule of Autonomy

After the elections, the political groups represented in Congress chose seven members to write the first draft of the future constitution. This draft was discussed in the chamber, and a commission drafted the final text, which was submitted for final congressional approval. The text was ready to be put to a referendum on December 6, 1978, and was promulgated on December 27, marking the end of the transition.

Values of the Constitution

The core principles

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International Relations Theories: Assumptions and Problems

Idealism/Liberal Internationalism and Francis Fukuyama: Analyzing Assumptions, Contradictions, and Problems

Introduction

Liberal internationalism, rooted in idealism, supports a global order based on democratic governance, multilateral cooperation, and the rule of law. It draws on the belief that democracies, driven by shared values and institutions, are more peaceful and cooperative in international affairs. Francis Fukuyama’s famous thesis in The End of History and the Last Man (1992) builds on

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Spain’s Democratic Transition: 1975-1978

Spain’s Democratic Transition (1975-1978)

The transition from dictatorship to democracy in Spain, known as *The Transition*, was a difficult period spanning from 1975 to 1978. This passage from organic democracy to real democracy is characterized by the constitution of 1978. The Spanish transition was made possible by the following:

  • Historical memory: The mistakes of the Second Republic and the sufferings of the dictatorship.
  • International context: A favorable climate for the introduction of democracy
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