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'It's the Economy, Stupid' Popular Support for EU Accession in the Czech Republic
[journal article]
Abstract In this article, a comparison is made between economic and identity explanations of preferences toward EU membership in the Czech Republic. This research demonstrates that economics rather than identity is a more powerful explanation of public opinion on accession. With regard to economic explanatio... view more
In this article, a comparison is made between economic and identity explanations of preferences toward EU membership in the Czech Republic. This research demonstrates that economics rather than identity is a more powerful explanation of public opinion on accession. With regard to economic explanations of public support for integration three models are examined - a winners and losers model, an international trade liberalisation model, and a foreign direct investment model. A comparison of these three models shows that support for accession was primarily based on attitudes toward foreign direct investment. Moreover, contemplating employment opportunities within the EU following accession was also an important factor. Contrary to previous research the empirical evidence presented in this article suggests that being a winner or loser in the post-communist transition process was not the strongest factor explaining popular support for membership. The results presented should not be taken to imply that instrumental rather than ideological or affect-based motivations determine general attitudes toward integration. On the specific question of vote choice in the accession referendum instrumental economic considerations were most important.... view less
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
European Politics
Free Keywords
Czech Republic; European Union; Membership; Public Opinion; Identity
Document language
English
Publication Year
2007
Page/Pages
p. 523-560
Journal
Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review, 43 (2007) 3
Status
Published Version; reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications