Convergent co-ordination patterns in the French and German core executive: The case of the BSE crisis

Walzenbach, G. P.E.; Walzenbach, Gunter

Abstract

This article analyses the introduction of a world-wide ban on British beef exports in March 1996; it raises the question how and to what extent a neo-institutional approach can contribute to our understanding of key events leading to the convergence of executive co-ordination in France and Germany in their reactions to the BSE crisis. Particular emphasis is placed on the standard operating procedures that are used in both countries in their dealings with institutions of the European Union. The article proposes that despite routinised rule-following, conflicts between salient political actors within each domestic system could not be avoided. It identifies three sources of change which helped to re-establish consensus within each national executive. Thus, the overall process leading to crucial decisions inside the French and German governments with regard to the handling of the crisis followed a remarkably similar pattern.

Citation

Walzenbach, G. P., & Walzenbach, G. (1999). Convergent co-ordination patterns in the French and German core executive: The case of the BSE crisis. West European Politics, 22(3), 64-86. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402389908425316

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1999
• Journal: West European Politics
• Print ISSN: 0140-2382
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 64-86
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01402389908425316
• Keywords: France, Germany, BSE crisis, co-ordination patterns
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1096636
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01402389908425316