Governing the EU in an Age of Division: (New Thinking in Political Economy series)

Few international organizations embody the idea of historical progress as strongly as the European Union (EU). This book addresses the main shortcoming of treating EU as a vehicle of progress and political unity between European countries: the disregard of such an approach for the underlying diversity of the European continent. Critically examining the meta-ideology underpinning European integration, the author studies the implications of Europe’s heterogeneity, disagreements over European policies, and of pluralism of values for the EU’s governance. The book revisits legacies of post-communist transitions and the role played by international economic and political integration in Eastern Europe – as well as the implications of the EU’s enlargements for the EU’s governance. The result is a novel, polycentric perspective on the EU’s governance. Policy practitioners, commentators, and other opinion leaders as well as academics and students interested in applied political economy and European studies will value this extensive exploration of Governing the EU in an Age of Division.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface 1. A glass half full or half empty? 2. The light that did not fail 3. The enlargement hangovers 4. What is European integration for? 5. Out of the Euro trap 6. Shared challenges, divergent interests, decentralized solutions 7. The superpower that wasn’t References Index

About the Author :
Dalibor Rohac, Senior Fellow, Foreign and Defense Policy, American Enterprise Institute, US

Review :
‘I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the fate of the European Union or generally how to govern in an age of division. Dalibor Rohac reminds us that the sovereign borders across Europe may be faint, but they are still very real. Ignore them at your peril. He also reminds us that the original plan for the EU—a single market cooperating on foreign defense policy and trade—was a good one. The EU should stick with the original plan. Some of his messages are subtle and yet also extraordinarily important in today’s age of division. The book crystallizes the challenges in governing the EU. Given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, global trade tensions and the weakening of our international institutions, this book is more important than ever. To survive this age of division, leaders across the EU may have to readjust their expectations for their great union, or else risk losing it.’ ‘Books about the European Union tend to be dry and academic. In this bracing addition to the literature, Dalibor Rohac breaks the mold. Neither an uncritical cheerleader of the EU nor a knee-jerk critic, he provides a rigorous examination of its short-comings and a measured appraisal of its successes. With engaging prose that manages both to inform and entertain, Rohac explains why everyone concerned about the fate of liberal democracy should care about the future of this much-maligned institution.’ ‘For too long, the European debate has been dominated by a conflict between centralisers and nationalists. They are seen as opposites, but share a neglect of Europe’s real strength – its openness and pluralism. Dalibor Rohac’s new book offers a sensible and desirable alternative, which makes it a necessary read for everyone interested in a liberal international order.’ ‘Dalibor Rohac isn't all misty-eyed when people talk about the European Union. Nor is he scornful, though, of the EU's real accomplishments and possibilities. This is a rare, hard-headed, and balanced look at an important part of the current geopolitical landscape. Read and learn.’ ‘Dalibor Rohac‘s new book on Europe and the future of the European Union is elegant in style and thought-provoking in substance. Amidst Russia’s war on Ukraine and challenge to the European security order, Rohac asks penetrating and important questions about Europe’s political personality. With a robust defence of the West and constitutional liberalism, Rohac argues for European pluralism – a James Madison-style approach to European cooperation and power. It should be read by both scholars and political leaders!’ ‘Dalibor Rohac takes a close look here at the European Union. Unlike most conservative scholars who question the usefulness of multilateral institutions, he offers a very well-documented perspective on why the EU is here to stay – despite deep divisions among its members, despite frequent bureaucratic stalemate, and despite a nationalist momentum exemplified by Brexit. This is a book that should be read widely by policymakers and college students alike. For students, the extensive footnotes alone offer important guidance to the EU's often obscure decision-making processes and policies.’ ‘Dalibor presents a future vision of the EU which does not go as far as the United States of Europe or Federal Republic of Europe that many EUphiles wish to see. Instead, he calls for a more flexible arrangement recognising both the strength of the pluralism of Europe and the common interests of member states. This book deserves to be read by those who take an interest in EU affairs whether a believer in the project of political integration or a sceptic.’