For this response essay, you should review chapter 5 as well as other publications on regional organizations and the European Union. As usual, please include proper citation of your sources. Limit your essay to between 4.5 and 5 double-spaced pages.

Part One

To begin with, you should answer the following questions about the development of the European Union as the most successful case of regional integration: 1) What role did the second World War play in the decision taken by European leaders to initiate the process of regional integration which culminated in the European Union? Be sure to use the European Coal and Steel Community to illustrate the European’s desire to avoid another war as a major rationale for regional integration; 2) With reference to the essentialist and constructivist theories or schools discussed in Chapter 5, Discuss other enabling political and economic factors; 3) Discuss the most significant contributions of the United States to the creation of the European Union as well as the factors that motivated the United States to encourage this endeavor. (It is suggested that you devote two-thirds of your essay to this par).

Part two

For the second part of your essay, you should select one of the regional organizations discussed in chapter 5. First, discuss in detail what you see as the key challenges facing this regional organization. Second, discuss what in your view are some critical lessons member states can learn from the European experience in order to achieve their goals. It is suggested that you factor into this part of your essay recent challenges to the legitimacy of the European Union (this part should cover one-third of your essay).

Part three

Conclusion: Personal reflection on the role of regional organizations as governance institutions designed to help member states to solve common problems through collective action.