What was Jean Monnet's functionalist approach?
My approach, which I termed 'functionalism,' was about creating concrete mechanisms for cooperation that would naturally expand. Instead of attempting to build a unified European state overnight, I focused on pooling specific resources and managing shared economic interests, like coal and steel. By demonstrating the benefits of working together in these areas, we created a tangible interdependence. This interdependence, in turn, generated its own momentum, pushing for further cooperation and integration in related fields. It's about building step by step, creating realities that compel further union.
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