Simon Usherwood | The Open University (original) (raw)
Papers by Simon Usherwood
Political Insight, May 30, 2023
Is there still a point to UKIP? The future of British Euroscepticism post-Brexit blogs.lse.ac.uk/... more Is there still a point to UKIP? The future of British Euroscepticism post-Brexit blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2016/08/17/is-there-still-a-point-to-ukip-the-future-of-british-euroscepticism-post-brexit/ 3/4 Union and Eurosceptics elsewhere have to make decisions about whether this is a path worth following. Even if British Eurosceptics are unlikely to be the force that they once were, they might still find themselves role-models for many across the continent.
Did the possibility of a Brexit influence the shape of the new Commission? blogs.lse.ac.uk /europ... more Did the possibility of a Brexit influence the shape of the new Commission? blogs.lse.ac.uk /europpblog/2014/09/30/did-the-possibility-of-a-brexit-influence-the-shape-of-the-newcommission/ The UK's nominated Commissioner, Jonathan Hill, was assigned the financial services portfolio in Jean-Claude Juncker's proposed European Commission. As this was viewed as a positive outcome for British interests, some commentators have suggested the threat of a 'Brexit' may have factored into the decision. Simon Usherwood writes that while a Brexit might not have been foremost in Juncker's mind, it nevertheless played a role. He argues however that the UK should not expect preferential treatment and that the country's relationship with the EU remains far from resolved.
De Gruyter eBooks, Jun 5, 2023
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
‘What the EU is for’ explores the development of the European Community (EC). For France and Germ... more ‘What the EU is for’ explores the development of the European Community (EC). For France and Germany, finding a way to live together in a durable peace was a fundamental political priority that the EC was designed to serve. As the Second World War recedes into a more distant past, the motive of peace and security remains a powerful influence on governments and politicians of many member states—and peace could only succeed with adequate economic performance. There are two main explanations for the phenomenon of the EC and EU. One emphasizes the role of member states and their intergovernmental dealings; the other gives greater weight to the European institutions.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Apr 25, 2022
Civil society organisations (CSOs) represent a key part of the political landscape surrounding re... more Civil society organisations (CSOs) represent a key part of the political landscape surrounding refugee policy: as highly flexible bodies, they are able to fill more effectively the gap between the formal political institutions of the state and international society and the lived experience of refugees on the ground. However, despite growing interest in these organisations, there has not been an attempt to model a comprehensive framework of how the wider political and social debate about refugee policy has translated into the pattern and nature of CSOs. This paper offers such a framework, drawing on Sicakkan's (2021) cleavage model, as operationalised through political opportunity structures. It highlights a number of expected elements in both transnational and national CSO activity that will form the basis for ongoing research.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
In March 2017, two events illustrated the EU’s achievement and fragility. The first, the sixtieth... more In March 2017, two events illustrated the EU’s achievement and fragility. The first, the sixtieth anniversary of the signing of the Rome treaties, was an opportunity to reflect on how the integration process has become fundamental to European governance and government, reaching into almost every area of public policy. The second was the UK’s submission of their intention to withdraw from the EU. ‘Much accomplished … but what next?’ asks whether the EU has the necessary powers and structures to achieve its objectives, but also whether its objectives are even the right ones. Without considering the latter, the former risks becoming an exercise in political narcissism.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
A most impressive aspect of the EU project has been its ability to develop and expand from a smal... more A most impressive aspect of the EU project has been its ability to develop and expand from a small group of relatively similar states in Western Europe into an EU of much greater width and depth. ‘The EU and the rest of Europe’ argues that enlargement can be seen as an essential part of the EU and its continued development, not least in its dealings with those who remain outside. The treaty still affirms that membership is open to any European state that respects ‘the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law’.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
‘An area of freedom, security and justice’ explains the two main aims of the Schengen Agreements ... more ‘An area of freedom, security and justice’ explains the two main aims of the Schengen Agreements of 1985 and 1990. The first concerned border controls: to eliminate those internal to Schengenland; establish controls round its external frontier; and set rules to deal with asylum, immigration, and the movement or residence of other countries’ nationals within the area. The second was to cooperate in combating crime. While conditions in the EU are, in a general sense, notably free, secure, and just when compared with almost all other parts of the world, the persisting divisions between member states and the EU result in confused lines of control and limited scope for action.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
The EU has major economic and environmental powers, and is increasingly active in foreign policy,... more The EU has major economic and environmental powers, and is increasingly active in foreign policy, defence, and internal security. ‘How the EU is governed’ asks: how is this power used and controlled, and how is the EU governed? The system for governing the EU, with its complex mix of intergovernmental and federal elements, makes decision-making difficult and a satisfactory relationship between the institutions and the citizens hard to achieve. The EU has, however, been able to benefit from its growing democratic elements, such as the powers of the European Parliament, and that model is still likely to continue, along with the development of the EU as a whole.
Routledge eBooks, Oct 5, 2015
This article includes the development of the European Union from its earlier beginnings in the 1950s
Editions de l'Université de Bruxelles eBooks, 2007
One of the most persistent challenges in the field of euroscepticism is the definition of the wor... more One of the most persistent challenges in the field of euroscepticism is the definition of the word itself. In part this reflects the fundamental differences of approach between the two main schools of academic thought, which stress party competition and political ideology respectively. However, it also is a consequence of the basic lack of understanding that the diverse expression of 'euroscepticism' is a consequence of the intrinsically negative formulation behind the concept, which necessarily is defined by an absence, rather than a presence. Consequently, this paper argues that it is essential to embrace the positive elements, in order to provide a useful and coherent definition. To this end, the paper discusses euroscepticism as a set of actions, rather than of motivations or dispositions, and offers an operationalisation of such a definition, that can be applied more generally.
Edinburgh University Press eBooks, Mar 25, 2008
Thursday's European Council demonstrated the UK's isolation in Brussels blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblo... more Thursday's European Council demonstrated the UK's isolation in Brussels blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2016/12/17/thursdays-european-council-demonstrated-the-uks-isolation-in-brussels/ On 15 December, Theresa May travelled to Brussels for a European Council meeting. Simon Usherwood writes that although Brexit was briefly discussed, the meeting highlighted the extent to which the rest of the EU have moved on from treating the UK as an equal partner, and that the flipside of taking back control from the EU is that the EU can now no longer be controlled by the UK.
uks-labour-party-faces-a-conundrum-over-offering-a-referendumon-the-eu/ The British Prime Ministe... more uks-labour-party-faces-a-conundrum-over-offering-a-referendumon-the-eu/ The British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold a referendum on the UK's EU membership should he win a majority at the next general election. Simon Usherwood writes on the policy of the opposition Labour Party, who are reportedly considering offering a referendum on EU membership of their own. He argues that the main factor behind this decision is likely to be the upcoming European elections in May. Even if most voters are indifferent about voting and oblivious about the issues, Labour may feel that they need to build momentum in the run-up to the general election.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
‘How the EU was made’ examines the combination of interests and events leading to the development... more ‘How the EU was made’ examines the combination of interests and events leading to the development of the EC, including the founding treaties. The Single European Act (SEA) provided for completion of the single market by 1992, strengthening the EC’s powers and institutions. It was succeeded by the Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice, and Lisbon treaties, likewise strengthening both powers and institutions, and responding to similar combinations of pressures. The prospect of the single market helped to revive the economy, and EC institutions gained strength as they dealt with a vast programme of legislation. Recent years have seen the EU grow further, but also Britain’s decision to leave in the 2016 referendum.
Political Insight, May 30, 2023
Is there still a point to UKIP? The future of British Euroscepticism post-Brexit blogs.lse.ac.uk/... more Is there still a point to UKIP? The future of British Euroscepticism post-Brexit blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2016/08/17/is-there-still-a-point-to-ukip-the-future-of-british-euroscepticism-post-brexit/ 3/4 Union and Eurosceptics elsewhere have to make decisions about whether this is a path worth following. Even if British Eurosceptics are unlikely to be the force that they once were, they might still find themselves role-models for many across the continent.
Did the possibility of a Brexit influence the shape of the new Commission? blogs.lse.ac.uk /europ... more Did the possibility of a Brexit influence the shape of the new Commission? blogs.lse.ac.uk /europpblog/2014/09/30/did-the-possibility-of-a-brexit-influence-the-shape-of-the-newcommission/ The UK's nominated Commissioner, Jonathan Hill, was assigned the financial services portfolio in Jean-Claude Juncker's proposed European Commission. As this was viewed as a positive outcome for British interests, some commentators have suggested the threat of a 'Brexit' may have factored into the decision. Simon Usherwood writes that while a Brexit might not have been foremost in Juncker's mind, it nevertheless played a role. He argues however that the UK should not expect preferential treatment and that the country's relationship with the EU remains far from resolved.
De Gruyter eBooks, Jun 5, 2023
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
‘What the EU is for’ explores the development of the European Community (EC). For France and Germ... more ‘What the EU is for’ explores the development of the European Community (EC). For France and Germany, finding a way to live together in a durable peace was a fundamental political priority that the EC was designed to serve. As the Second World War recedes into a more distant past, the motive of peace and security remains a powerful influence on governments and politicians of many member states—and peace could only succeed with adequate economic performance. There are two main explanations for the phenomenon of the EC and EU. One emphasizes the role of member states and their intergovernmental dealings; the other gives greater weight to the European institutions.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Apr 25, 2022
Civil society organisations (CSOs) represent a key part of the political landscape surrounding re... more Civil society organisations (CSOs) represent a key part of the political landscape surrounding refugee policy: as highly flexible bodies, they are able to fill more effectively the gap between the formal political institutions of the state and international society and the lived experience of refugees on the ground. However, despite growing interest in these organisations, there has not been an attempt to model a comprehensive framework of how the wider political and social debate about refugee policy has translated into the pattern and nature of CSOs. This paper offers such a framework, drawing on Sicakkan's (2021) cleavage model, as operationalised through political opportunity structures. It highlights a number of expected elements in both transnational and national CSO activity that will form the basis for ongoing research.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
In March 2017, two events illustrated the EU’s achievement and fragility. The first, the sixtieth... more In March 2017, two events illustrated the EU’s achievement and fragility. The first, the sixtieth anniversary of the signing of the Rome treaties, was an opportunity to reflect on how the integration process has become fundamental to European governance and government, reaching into almost every area of public policy. The second was the UK’s submission of their intention to withdraw from the EU. ‘Much accomplished … but what next?’ asks whether the EU has the necessary powers and structures to achieve its objectives, but also whether its objectives are even the right ones. Without considering the latter, the former risks becoming an exercise in political narcissism.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
A most impressive aspect of the EU project has been its ability to develop and expand from a smal... more A most impressive aspect of the EU project has been its ability to develop and expand from a small group of relatively similar states in Western Europe into an EU of much greater width and depth. ‘The EU and the rest of Europe’ argues that enlargement can be seen as an essential part of the EU and its continued development, not least in its dealings with those who remain outside. The treaty still affirms that membership is open to any European state that respects ‘the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law’.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
‘An area of freedom, security and justice’ explains the two main aims of the Schengen Agreements ... more ‘An area of freedom, security and justice’ explains the two main aims of the Schengen Agreements of 1985 and 1990. The first concerned border controls: to eliminate those internal to Schengenland; establish controls round its external frontier; and set rules to deal with asylum, immigration, and the movement or residence of other countries’ nationals within the area. The second was to cooperate in combating crime. While conditions in the EU are, in a general sense, notably free, secure, and just when compared with almost all other parts of the world, the persisting divisions between member states and the EU result in confused lines of control and limited scope for action.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
The EU has major economic and environmental powers, and is increasingly active in foreign policy,... more The EU has major economic and environmental powers, and is increasingly active in foreign policy, defence, and internal security. ‘How the EU is governed’ asks: how is this power used and controlled, and how is the EU governed? The system for governing the EU, with its complex mix of intergovernmental and federal elements, makes decision-making difficult and a satisfactory relationship between the institutions and the citizens hard to achieve. The EU has, however, been able to benefit from its growing democratic elements, such as the powers of the European Parliament, and that model is still likely to continue, along with the development of the EU as a whole.
Routledge eBooks, Oct 5, 2015
This article includes the development of the European Union from its earlier beginnings in the 1950s
Editions de l'Université de Bruxelles eBooks, 2007
One of the most persistent challenges in the field of euroscepticism is the definition of the wor... more One of the most persistent challenges in the field of euroscepticism is the definition of the word itself. In part this reflects the fundamental differences of approach between the two main schools of academic thought, which stress party competition and political ideology respectively. However, it also is a consequence of the basic lack of understanding that the diverse expression of 'euroscepticism' is a consequence of the intrinsically negative formulation behind the concept, which necessarily is defined by an absence, rather than a presence. Consequently, this paper argues that it is essential to embrace the positive elements, in order to provide a useful and coherent definition. To this end, the paper discusses euroscepticism as a set of actions, rather than of motivations or dispositions, and offers an operationalisation of such a definition, that can be applied more generally.
Edinburgh University Press eBooks, Mar 25, 2008
Thursday's European Council demonstrated the UK's isolation in Brussels blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblo... more Thursday's European Council demonstrated the UK's isolation in Brussels blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2016/12/17/thursdays-european-council-demonstrated-the-uks-isolation-in-brussels/ On 15 December, Theresa May travelled to Brussels for a European Council meeting. Simon Usherwood writes that although Brexit was briefly discussed, the meeting highlighted the extent to which the rest of the EU have moved on from treating the UK as an equal partner, and that the flipside of taking back control from the EU is that the EU can now no longer be controlled by the UK.
uks-labour-party-faces-a-conundrum-over-offering-a-referendumon-the-eu/ The British Prime Ministe... more uks-labour-party-faces-a-conundrum-over-offering-a-referendumon-the-eu/ The British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold a referendum on the UK's EU membership should he win a majority at the next general election. Simon Usherwood writes on the policy of the opposition Labour Party, who are reportedly considering offering a referendum on EU membership of their own. He argues that the main factor behind this decision is likely to be the upcoming European elections in May. Even if most voters are indifferent about voting and oblivious about the issues, Labour may feel that they need to build momentum in the run-up to the general election.
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 2018
‘How the EU was made’ examines the combination of interests and events leading to the development... more ‘How the EU was made’ examines the combination of interests and events leading to the development of the EC, including the founding treaties. The Single European Act (SEA) provided for completion of the single market by 1992, strengthening the EC’s powers and institutions. It was succeeded by the Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice, and Lisbon treaties, likewise strengthening both powers and institutions, and responding to similar combinations of pressures. The prospect of the single market helped to revive the economy, and EC institutions gained strength as they dealt with a vast programme of legislation. Recent years have seen the EU grow further, but also Britain’s decision to leave in the 2016 referendum.
The Centre for Research on the European Matrix (CRonEM) at the Department of Politics, University... more The Centre for Research on the European Matrix (CRonEM) at the Department of Politics, University of Surrey is organizing a Summer School on ‘Europe between Integration and Disintegration’. The Summer School will take place between the 29th of June and the 3rd of July 2015 and targets postgraduate (Taught and Research) students across the world.
The main aim of the Summer School is to spread interest and promote training in the study of the European Union focusing upon the changing nature of the EU.
Invited lecturers for this edition are:
Prof Kennet Lynggaard (Roskilde University)
Prof Gill Allwood (Nottingham Trent University)
Dr Simona Guerra (University of Leicester)
Prof Susannah Verney (University of Athens)
Key lectures and workshop activities will be run by:
Dr. Theofanis Exadaktylos (University of Surrey)
Dr. Simon Usherwood (University of Surrey)
Dr. Roberta Guerrina (University of Surrey)
Prof. Alex Warleigh Lack (University of Surrey)
Dr. Cristiano Bee (Istanbul Bilgi University/University of Surrey)
The course covers the latest theoretical and methodological advancements in the study of the EU and key aim is to provide an up-to-date approach on the understanding of the on-going challenges that the European integration is facing.
Postgraduate students are invited to apply to this exciting opportunity that is supported by the Jean Monnet Programme of the European Union.
Deadline for applications: 1 May 2015
Summer School fee: 300£
For more information please visit our website at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/politics/news/events/2015/jean_monnetcronem_summer_school_2015.htm
As the academic literature on active learning has shifted from presentation of individual cases t... more As the academic literature on active learning has shifted from presentation of individual cases towards more robust explorations of their design and implementation, so too has been a growing need to regularise means of comparing and evaluating specific instances of what has become a highly diverse range of activities. One striking area where literature is absent is the scoping of the range of potential impacts that active learning might generate: does the shift in focus to the student create new paths for learning, reweight existing ones, or simply replicate the patterns found in passive learning environments? To address this, it is necessary to consider what makes active learning a distinct approach, and especially the impact of placing much more of an onus on the student to develop their agency in constructing their learning. In so doing, there is a differentiation from more generic inventories of learning styles, which are more concerned with the multiplicity of constructions that individuals might place around their learning: Instead, by establishing a baseline set of dimensions of learning, it becomes more viable to generate evaluations of learning that can carry across cases. Broadly speaking, it is possible to identify three main areas of learning impact that can form such a base: substantive knowledge acquisition, measured by both existing and novel assessment regimes; skills acquisition and development, measured by assessment regimes and by self-, peer-and instructor-evaluations; and development of attitudinal capacities (such as confidence or engagement with learning), primarily measured by self-evaluation.