Europeanization Mechanisms and Process Tracing: A Template for Empirical Research

摘要: While the literature on Europeanization has exhibited considerable awareness of methodological challenge establishing causal relations between non-binding EU stimuli and domestic change, less work been done how this might be met. This article contributes to literature's attempts meet by: 1) reformulating four explanations based distinct mechanisms (instrumental learning, social naming shaming peer pressure); 2) specifying their observable implications for three intervening steps change in national policy (the definition problem, alternative courses action considered manner which they were assessed); 3) defending process tracing against critiques its usefulness research Europeanization; 4) providing practical guidelines can used test these empirically, using examples from employment policy, where feature most prominently.