This book analyzes the causes of five dilemmas that are shaping European integration- population, migration, the Euro, Brexit, and enlargement. While critical of the responses of European Union actors in handling these crises, the author outlines avenues which might avoid the potential collapse of Europe.
Andreas Staab teaches at Washington University at St. Louis and is founder of the European Policy Information Centre (EPIC).
Chapter One: A Europe of Anger: Populism Chapter Two: A Europe of Coercion: Economic and Monetary Union Chapter Three: A Europe of Acrimony: Migration Chapter Four: A Europe of Rejection: Brexit Chapter Five: A Europe of Incoherence: Enlargement
At last, a book about recent challenges to the European project that is concise, cogent, and clear about the possible ways forward. In this excellent book, Staab puts the politics of European integration at center stage and offers readers a front-row view of the competing ideas and interests at stake. This expert analysis of five major dilemmas facing the EU will stimulate much discussion and is a must for European politics and EU-related reading lists.--Jennifer Yoder, Colby College It is hard enough to understand the confounding intricacies of the European Union. It is a greater challenge still to grasp the existential challenges faced by the EU in its defense of democratic institutions, in its economic diversity, in its experiment with a common currency and in its approach to humanitarian crises. Staab's clarity and level-headedness in addressing these important issues make this book a must-read for students of the EU, and for anyone who hopes to understand the world's largest trading bloc and its future.--Adam Grossberg, Trinity College This is an engaging and well-researched book. Staab identifies the most pressing issues that could tear Europe apart, whilst also providing a convincing argument for a more flexible way forward. Those who care about the success of a peaceful European integration will do well to consider the arguments made in these pages.--Christian Weller, University of Massachusetts Boston Thought-provoking and deeply insightful. The book convincingly identifies key dilemmas and tensions of the European integration process, both past and present, whilst offering a comprehensive yet pragmatic overview of possible options for the EU's future development: A great read from an inspired author on the multi-layered and complex issues of Europe's future.--Irena Andrassy, Permanent Representative of Croatia to the European Union Who would have thought that yet another book about the challenges to European integration would trigger such enthusiastic interest? Andreas Staab's latest work offers a thorough analysis of the various options for reforming the European Union, all of which are realistic, pragmatic, and operational. The question is: Will politicians have the courage to follow the path proposed in this book?--Peter Ib Bruun Goldschmidt, European Centre for Judges and Lawyers
