Kelstrup, Morten. The Process of Europeanization. On the Theoretical Interpretation of Present Changes in the European Regional Political System. Cooperation and Conflict, XXV, 1990, 21-40

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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to interpret the political developments in Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s and at the same time to discuss the use of theory in such "macro-interpretations" of the present changes. First, elements of the "process of Europeanization" are identified, followed by a discussion on how "world-system theory", "neorealism" and "the school of interdependence" might be used in the understanding of the process of Europeanization. The discussion focuses especially on the concepts of "security complex" and "regime". Some of the main theoretical deficits in the use of theories are pointed out. It is claimed that we need a better understanding of changes in power structures and improved concepts for analysis on the "middle" level between structural-level and state-level analysis. On the basis of the theoretical discussion the article presents an interpretation of the present changes in Europe. The interpretation is based on reflections on the kind of structural changes which are taking place in the present international system. It is claimed that there are tendencies which form a new international regime for overall security and internal change in Europe. The European Community is seen as adopting an increasing role in this all-European process. The main obstacles to such a new stability regime in Europe are seen as a possible setback in the Soviet Union and/or a destabilizing revitalization of the German problem.

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