Theorizing many Europes: a four-fold taxonomy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article puts forward a four-fold taxonomy on European multiplicity including the radial subcategories of Thin, Thick, Global and Parochial Europes that are ideal types deriving from the complex interplays of distinct ordering dynamics, namely, territorial segmentation, functional differentiation, and stratification. The article explains their distinct characteristics in detail and discuss their differences from the existing ways of thinking about European divisions and multiple logics driving European transformations. Furthermore, it advances the category of Global Europe in order to establish a missing link between European and extra-European dynamics. Following the proposed taxonomy, the study offers the case of Brexit that demonstrates struggle, competition and unlikely alliance among four distinct visions of Europe. Rather than a mere struggle between Eurosceptics and Europhiles, the pro- and anti-Brexit discourses in Britain reflected a hegemonic struggle among multiple visions on Europe. Overall, this article lays out an innovative four-fold taxonomy that helps to better grasp the multiplicity of competing visions about the political crises and changes facing Europe in a global context.