Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Functionalism, emerging in the aftermath of the devastating World Wars, offered a novel approach to international relations, challenging the traditional state-centric view. Developed prominently by David Mitrany, it posited that peace could be best achieved not through political unification or balance of power, but through increasing cooperation in functional areas – those addressing common problems irrespective of national boundaries. This approach, often described as ‘peace by pieces’, suggests that by focusing on practical cooperation in areas like economics, health, and environmental protection, states can build trust and interdependence, ultimately reducing the likelihood of conflict.
Functionalism: A Theoretical Framework
Functionalism fundamentally argues that national sovereignty should be gradually eroded in favor of international organizations capable of addressing shared problems. It rejects the idea of a grand political design for peace, instead advocating for a pragmatic, incremental approach. The core assumption is that when states cooperate on issues that directly affect their citizens’ well-being, the incentives for conflict diminish.
‘Peace by Pieces’: The Core Principle
The concept of ‘peace by pieces’ is central to Functionalism. It suggests that peace isn’t achieved through overarching political agreements or collective security pacts alone, but through a multitude of small, practical steps taken in specific functional areas. These areas are characterized by their technical nature, requiring expertise and collaboration rather than ideological clashes. The logic is that as states become increasingly intertwined through functional cooperation, the costs of conflict rise, and the benefits of peace become more apparent.
Illustrative Examples of ‘Peace by Pieces’
- European Integration: The European Union (EU) is often cited as a prime example of Functionalism in action. Starting with the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, focused on economic cooperation in vital industries, it gradually expanded to encompass a wide range of functional areas, including trade, agriculture, and monetary policy. This integration fostered interdependence and significantly reduced the likelihood of conflict between member states.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Established in 1948, the WHO exemplifies functional cooperation in the realm of public health. Its efforts to combat diseases like polio, malaria, and more recently, COVID-19, require international collaboration and transcend national borders.
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Founded in 1947, ICAO sets standards for air travel safety and efficiency. This functional cooperation ensures safe and orderly air transport, benefiting all nations.
- Universal Postal Union (UPU): Established in 1874, the UPU facilitates the exchange of mail between countries, a seemingly mundane but crucial function that promotes communication and interdependence.
Limitations of Functionalism
Despite its appeal, Functionalism faces several criticisms. Firstly, it can be slow and incremental, potentially inadequate to address urgent security threats. Secondly, it assumes that functional cooperation will automatically spill over into broader political integration, which hasn’t always been the case. The rise of nationalism and populism in recent years has challenged the momentum of functional integration, as seen in Brexit. Furthermore, functional areas are not always apolitical; they can be influenced by power dynamics and national interests. The COVID-19 vaccine distribution highlighted inequalities and geopolitical competition, demonstrating that even in a functional area like public health, political considerations can prevail.
Table: Functional Areas and Corresponding International Organizations
| Functional Area | International Organization | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health | World Health Organization (WHO) | 1948 |
| Civil Aviation | International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) | 1947 |
| Postal Services | Universal Postal Union (UPU) | 1874 |
| Economic Cooperation | World Trade Organization (WTO) | 1995 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘peace by pieces’ remains a foundational principle of Functionalism, advocating for incremental peacebuilding through practical cooperation in functional areas. While the theory has demonstrated success in fostering interdependence and reducing conflict, particularly in the context of European integration, its limitations – including its slow pace and susceptibility to political interference – must be acknowledged. In a complex and rapidly changing world, a nuanced approach that combines functional cooperation with robust political and security frameworks is likely to be most effective in achieving lasting peace.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.