Abstrakt
This article presents the output of research being held on Comparison of development of Central European States. The attention is paid to applying the integration theories, respectively theory of European Integration, in the countries of Central Europe.
The fundamental research question is "what theoretical models could explain the development of Central Europe", "particularly their mutual coincidence". From the methodological point of view, the authors did not choose an exact theoretical concept but a set of theoretical concepts which are adequate for the research issue.
The European integration phenomenon was formed by three basic theoretical directions at the very beginning: federalism, communication theory and functionalism. A different portfolio of paradigms has been chosen for the analysis of central European integration process after the fall of communism.
The present situation is different to the situation after the Second World War. Theory of Europeanisation is applied besides traditional theoretical concepts.
It seems significant due to central European facts. The contribution clarifies why, regarding the aim of the article, some theoretical directions are not relevant according to the authors.
Using examples of real development and cooperation of Central European countries the authors conclude that the best concept to describe the development of Central Europe in the view of functionalism is neo-functionalism and particularly the theory of Europeanisation. Post-functionalism is only to certain extend adequate respectively ad hoc on national levels but not in Central European Cooperation.
The theoretical framework explains the position of Central European countries generally and concretely.