Hamerly, IvyHunziker, Rebecca2017-05-232017-05-2320172017-05-23http://hdl.handle.net/2104/9955The European Union qualifies as a new type of intergovernmental organization, a supranational organization, because its member states have integrated to a much greater degree than any other intergovernmental organization that came before it. This new level of categorization causes many people to believe that the European Union is so unique that it has no peers with which to make meaningful comparisons. In this paper, I will argue that although the European Union exists somewhere between a traditional intergovernmental organization and a state, it does share many characteristics with sovereign states and these shared characteristics make meaningful comparison possible. Further, I will argue that by comparing the European Union to sovereign states we can better understand the European Union’s formation, have greater insight into the problems the European Union faces, and attempt to comprehend the future of the European Union with more clarity.en-USBaylor University projects are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.European Union.States.Intergovernmental organizations.International studies.ThesisWorldwide access