Paper Titles & Abstracts

EU political conditionality has contributed to political transformation processes in Western Balkan countries by promoting democratic consolidation, rule of law, respect for human rights, and protection of minority rights. In order to make these countries comply with its political, democratic accession criteria, the EU heavily drew on strict conditionality. But, recent developments in Macedonia raise doubts about its impact on democratization processes. The paper argues that national identity - a constructivist variable - is a necessary condition for successful external democratization through political conditionality. It plays a crucial role as filter by sorting out whether governmental action is to be based on cost-benefit-calculations or in accordance with socially constructed and accepted identities, rules, and practices. Using Macedonia as an example, we contend that explanations of non-compliance need to be complemented by national identity as a logically preceding factor.