When is differentiated integration (DI) a source of autonomy and when is it a source of domination? I develop a framework for answering that question by identifying where i) DI enables member state democracies to make choices they would otherwise be unable to make and where ii) it helps them meet their own obligations to their own publics, using iii) norms that avoid democracy-on-democracy domination. I start by using collective goods theory to identify where DI will expand choices available to member state democracies and where it, conversely, risks democracy-on-democracy domination. I then consider implications for obligations member state democracies owe their own publics to secure rights, justice, freedom from arbitrary domination and standards of democracy itself. I conclude with some reflections on where DI can and cannot contribute to different understandings of autonomy within and between member state democracies.
