Lessons for the European Community from the Indian Experience with Federalism

Authors

Shivadev Shastri

Abstract

As the European Community (EC) moves toward the goal of a unified Europe, it faces the challenge of evolving its institutions to accommodate its vast diversity while providing a foundation upon which a European unity can be fostered. India with a federal system encompassing pluralistic forces as diverse and complex as those of the EC, provides valuable lessons for the EC as the EC embarks upon the road to political and economic union. This Note explores the two different approaches to federalism embodied in EC and Indian efforts. The author compares the institutional features of the two systems, particularly discussing the features that relate to managing diversity within a unified framework. This Note examines certain lessons from India's experience with federalism. The author argues that such lessons provide valuable insight to the EC as it faces problems similar to those India faced in creating a viable political and economic union, under strikingly similar circumstances.

Recommended Citation

Shivadev Shastri, Lessons for the European Community from the Indian Experience with Federalism, 17 Hastings Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 633 (1994).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_international_comparative_law_review/vol17/iss3/5