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The Passage to Europe

How a Continent Became a Union
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( 198 ratings, 18 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Passage to Europe by Luuk van Middelaar explores the political and historical journey of Europe transforming from a collection of separate states into a unified entity. The author delves into the decision-making processes and philosophical underpinnings that have influenced Europe's integration. This insightful analysis sheds light on the complexities of European political structures and the challenges they face in maintaining unity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're intrigued by the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of European politics, you might enjoy this book. It offers a compelling analysis of how the European Union transformed from a mere economic agreement to a significant political entity, appealing to those interested in the dynamic processes shaping European identity and governance.

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ISBN 9780300205336 on title page verso is that of 2014 issue.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The untold story of the crises and compromises that united a continent

“A work of impressive scholarship and historical imagination, . . . unlike anything written about the EU before or since”—Perry Anderson, London Review of Books

As financial turmoil in Europe preoccupies political leaders and global markets, it becomes more important than ever to understand the forces that underpin the European Union, hold it together, and drive it forward. This timely book provides a gripping account of the realities of power politics among European states and between their leaders. Drawing on long experience working behind the scenes, Luuk van Middelaar captures the dynamics and tensions shaping the European Union from its origins until today.

It is a story of unexpected events and twists of fate, bold vision and sheer necessity, told from the perspective of the key players—from de Gaulle to Havel, Thatcher to Merkel. Van Middelaar cuts through the institutional complexity by exploring the unforeseen outcomes of decisive moments and focusing on the quest for public legitimacy.

As a first-hand witness to the day-to-day actions and decisions of Europe’s leaders, the author provides a vivid narrative of the crises and compromises that united a continent. By revisiting the past, he sheds fresh light on the present state of European unification and offers insights into what the future may hold.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Passage to Europe by Luuk van Middelaar is praised for its impressive scholarship and unique perspective on the European Union. It combines history, political theory, social science, and constitutional law in a compelling narrative. The book is noted for providing insight into the dynamic tensions between politicians and public opinion in Europe, and is recommended for both supporters and sceptics of European integration.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300255126

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 June 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 363g

Pages: 392

About the Author

Luuk van Middelaar is a Dutch political philosopher and currently policy advisor and speechwriter to the president of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy. He lives in Brussels, Belgium.

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