A critical and comprehensive review of Desmond Dinan's book on the history of the European integration process.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to European integration in the post-war era
2. The ECSC and early economic impacts
3. The 1957 Rome Treaty and the emerging European Community
4. The Empty Chair Crisis and the Luxembourg Compromise
5. International cooperation, the 1973 oil crisis and institutional challenges
6. Initiatives for institutional restructuring and the Single European Act
7. The Maastricht Treaty and enlargement in central and eastern Europe
8. Implementation of EMU and the future of the European Union
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of the work is to provide a comprehensive historical analysis of the development of European integration from 1945 to the early 21st century, focusing specifically on the evolution of institutional policies and decision-making mechanisms within the EC and EU.
- Evolution of European integration from the post-war period to the present.
- The tension between inter-governmentalism and supra-nationalism.
- Key historical milestones including the Rome Treaty, the Single European Act, and the Maastricht Treaty.
- Institutional challenges such as enlargement, EMU implementation, and common security policy.
- The role of key political figures and visionary leadership in shaping the European Union.
Excerpt from the Book
The ECSC and the divergence of European integration
Dinan argues that despite the ECSC's promising start the longer economical impact was at best modest, with productivity not improving significantly and the market remaining fragmented. Next to the positive aspects of reducing tariffs and facilitating the movement of coal and steel it were foremost political benefits the institution brought about: the improvement of inter-state relationships (France-Germany) and the advancement of economic partnerships.
He emphasises the great economical and political importance the 1957 Rome Treaty and the emerging EC were to have on European integration, yet also remarks upon the latter's bureaucratic rivalries and the problems facing the allocation of sources. Dinan then focuses on the French-German dispute over CAP (common agricultural policy), yet at the same time also points to the overall beneficial ties existing between France and West Germany- Accordingly the EEC's first years were largely characterized by the dominant role of France, an improving German-Franco relationship and a partial alienation of Britain from European affairs.
Next, Dinan goes on to state that the despite the resolution of the „Empty Chair Crisis“ by introducing the Luxembourg Compromise was generally perceived as a political success, national figures thereafter grew less ambitious of pursuing closer European integration and that the institution rather assumed the form of an inter-governmental organisation.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to European integration in the post-war era: Provides an overview of the inter-war concepts of integration and the immediate post-war necessity for cooperation.
2. The ECSC and early economic impacts: Evaluates the modest economic success and significant political benefits of the European Coal and Steel Community.
3. The 1957 Rome Treaty and the emerging European Community: Discusses the importance of the Rome Treaty and the influence of French-German relations during the early years of the EEC.
4. The Empty Chair Crisis and the Luxembourg Compromise: Analyzes the political resolution of the crisis and its shift towards an inter-governmental organizational structure.
5. International cooperation, the 1973 oil crisis and institutional challenges: Covers the negative impacts of the oil crisis on structural policy and the failure to act as a single economic entity.
6. Initiatives for institutional restructuring and the Single European Act: Examines the role of political figures like Mitterrand in achieving the Single European Act and the opening of borders.
7. The Maastricht Treaty and enlargement in central and eastern Europe: Reviews the launch of the EU and the complex integration process involving applicant countries in the East.
8. Implementation of EMU and the future of the European Union: Details the realization of the Euro and the ongoing challenges regarding European identity and constitutional treaties.
Keywords
European Integration, European Union, Supra-nationalism, Inter-governmentalism, Rome Treaty, Maastricht Treaty, Single European Act, EMU, European Commission, Jacques Delors, Common Agricultural Policy, Enlargement, Institutional Policy, Decision-making, Post-war Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The book provides a detailed historical analysis of the European integration process, tracking its development from 1945 through the establishment and evolution of the European Union.
What are the central themes of the book?
Central themes include the tension between national interests and federalist ideals, the impact of major treaties, institutional growth, and the political decision-making processes within the community.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The author intends to demonstrate that understanding modern Europe requires a deep look at the historical concepts, ideas, and developments that shaped the current European Union structure.
Which scientific methodology does the author employ?
Dinan utilizes a comprehensive synthesis of primary sources, research papers, and technical literature to provide a balanced and sophisticated historical account.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers specific historical periods and themes, ranging from the formation of the ECSC to the implementation of the Euro and the challenges of recent EU enlargements.
What defines the character of this book?
It is characterized as a well-structured, intellectual, and comprehensive overview that captures the complexity of European decision-making in an accessible way.
How does the author characterize the role of Jacques Delors?
Dinan emphasizes the vital influence of Jacques Delors as a visionary leader whose actions were instrumental in the implementation of the Single European Act.
How does the book treat the challenge of EU enlargement?
Dinan provides a thorough background on the association discussions with Eastern European nations, highlighting the political and economic instability that made this a complex undertaking.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the modern EU?
The author concludes that while the EU faces challenges like bureaucracy and transparency issues, it remains a respected and significant political achievement that has replaced past conflicts with peace and cooperation.
- Citation du texte
- Joe Majerus (Auteur), 2010, A Review of “Europe Recast: A History of the European Union” by Desmond Dinan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202288
