From European Origins to Global Scholarship: The Internationalisation of European Integration Studies

This paper explores the transformation of European Integration Studies (EIS) from a primarily European and transatlantic subfield into a global, interdisciplinary domain. It argues that this internationalisation reflects not only geographic expansion but a deeper shift driven by the interaction between the evolution of the European integration project, developments within the social sciences, and the globalisation of higher education and academic networks. Tracing key theoretical debates, from neofunctionalism and intergovernmentalism to constructivist and critical approaches, the paper shows how EIS has adapted to major political developments such as EU enlargement, institutional deepening, and increasing politicisation. These dynamics have broadened the field’s analytical scope and positioned it at the intersection of multiple disciplines. Using a comparative, multi-method approach, the study analyses how EIS has been institutionalised across EU member states and third countries. It highlights the role of EU programmes (particularly Jean Monnet and Erasmus+) in promoting teaching, research, and academic networks worldwide, while also serving broader geopolitical objectives. At the same time, the paper emphasises the uneven and path-dependent nature of internationalisation, shaped by asymmetries in knowledge production, linguistic barriers, and the continued dominance of the Global North. Overall, it positions EIS as an increasingly global yet contested field, facing challenges of inclusivity, diversity, and epistemic balance.