Regionalism and Supranationalism

In both Canada and Europe, societal pressures are forcing a re-evaluation of existing political structures. Contemporary political events are characterized by forces pushing simultaneously in two opposite directions: toward smaller, or at least more decentralized structures; and simultaneously toward larger, more integrative systems. These opposing forces are regionalism and supranationalism. By examining historical and contemporary experiences on both sides of the Atlantic, it may be possible to increase our understanding of these important phenomena.