key term - Snake in the Tunnel

Definition

The term 'snake in the tunnel' refers to a metaphor used to describe the unexpected obstacles and challenges faced by the European Economic Community, particularly during its initial phase of integration. This metaphor highlights the complexities and difficulties that arose as member states attempted to navigate economic cooperation while dealing with national interests and political tensions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Snake in the tunnel' emerged as a symbolic expression reflecting the unpredictable nature of political negotiations among EEC member states during its early years.
2. Member states faced significant challenges balancing their national interests with the broader goals of economic integration, leading to tensions and conflicts.
3. The initial successes of the Common Market included the establishment of a customs union and the elimination of tariffs, but these achievements were often overshadowed by emerging obstacles.
4. Key issues such as agricultural policy and labor mobility became contentious points of discussion that resembled 'snakes' obstructing the integration 'tunnel.'
5. The metaphor serves as a reminder that while progress was made, the journey toward deeper integration was fraught with unexpected challenges that required careful navigation.

Review Questions

• How does the metaphor 'snake in the tunnel' illustrate the challenges faced by the EEC during its early years?
  • The metaphor 'snake in the tunnel' effectively captures the unpredictable and often complex nature of the challenges encountered by the EEC as it pursued economic integration. Member states had to navigate conflicting national interests, which often created unexpected obstacles—akin to snakes—along their path. This imagery emphasizes how these challenges hindered smooth progress and required careful management in political negotiations.
• In what ways did the elimination of tariff barriers contribute to both successes and challenges within the context of the Common Market?
  • The elimination of tariff barriers was a significant achievement for the Common Market, facilitating increased trade among member states and contributing to economic growth. However, this success also revealed underlying challenges, such as disparities in economic strength among member nations and issues related to agricultural policy. These complexities highlighted how progress could create new problems, akin to 'snakes' that emerged within the overall process of integration.
• Evaluate how national interests influenced member states' approach to economic integration in light of the 'snake in the tunnel' metaphor.
  • National interests played a critical role in shaping how member states engaged with economic integration efforts within the EEC. As each country sought to protect its own economic priorities and political stability, this led to tensions and conflicts that often manifested as unforeseen obstacles—much like snakes obstructing a tunnel. This dynamic required careful negotiation and compromise, highlighting that while collective goals aimed for unity, individual concerns could significantly influence outcomes and create an unpredictable path toward deeper cooperation.

Related terms

European Economic Community (EEC):

An organization established in 1957 to promote economic integration among its member states, leading to the eventual formation of the European Union.

Tariff Barriers: Taxes or duties imposed on imported goods, which member states sought to eliminate in order to encourage free trade within the Common Market.

Common Market:

A type of trade bloc that allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member countries.