Balancing sub-unit autonomy and collective problem-solving by varying exit and voice. An analytical framework. Issue 4 (11th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jachtenfuchs, Markus; Kasack, Christiane
• Is Part Of: Journal of European public policy. Volume 24:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 598
• Page End: 614
• Publication Date: 2017-04-11
• Subjects: Comparative federalism -- exit and voice -- differentiated integration -- integration theory -- federal dynamics; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Political planning -- European Union countries -- Periodicals; Politique publique -- Pays de l'Union européenne -- Périodiques; Pays de l'Union européenne -- Politique et gouvernement -- Périodiques; 361.61094
• DOI: 10.1080/13501763.2016.1273376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-1763

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We argue that there is a commonality between federal states and the EU: both face a dilemma between sub-unit autonomy and collective problem-solving. We develop the structure of this dilemma, which is pervasive in multilevel systems with a strong element of shared policy-making and most pronounced in the EU. While a substantial part of the federalism literature considers this relationship as precarious and discusses ways to stabilize it, we propose an analytical perspective which focuses on actor dynamics, i.e., on the attempts of sub-units to change the balance between sub-unit autonomy and collective problem-solving by changing their position in two distinct dimensions: exit and voice . Exit measures the degree to which sub-units want to be subject to collective policies, voice measures the influence sub-units seek in collective decisions. We illustrate this framework with examples, mainly from the EU, and conclude that this perspective can shed new light on differentiated integration in the EU and open comparative inquiries.