The study of intergovernmental relations in federations has often drawn on theories developed to analyze International Relations (Simeon, 1972; Cameron and Simeon, 1999; Bolleyer, 2006). In this paper, we explore the influence of IR theory on the study of intergovernmental relations in Canada and Europe, finding that much of this work draws from the more rationalist approaches of IR theory. As a result, the study of intergovernmental relations has remained mired in a focus on the logic of consequences while ignoring the significance of the logic of appropriateness as determinants of government behavior. Symbolic tensions nevertheless exist between the different levels of government and define how intergovernmental policymaking happens. We argue that these tensions and their impacts can be accounted for by looking at the mundane and quotidian practices that make up the social fields of ‘intergovernmental relations’. This will produce a more comprehensive understanding of the workings of federations.
