The Europe illusion : Britain, France, Germany and the long history of European integration / Stuart Sweeney.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sweeney, Stuart, 1963- author.

Contributor:

Anne and Joseph Trachtman Memorial Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Europe--Foreign relations--Great Britain.

Europe.

International relations.

Great Britain.

Great Britain--Foreign relations.

Europe--Economic integration--History.

History.

Diplomatic relations.

International economic integration.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

384 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

London : Reaktion Books, 2019.

Summary:

"In The Europe Illusion, Stuart Sweeney considers Britain’s relationships with France and Prussia-Germany since the map of Europe was redrawn at Westphalia in 1648. A timely and far-sighted study, it argues that integration in Europe has evolved through diplomatic, economic and cultural links cemented between these three states, and that – as wars became increasingly destructive and economic expectations were elevated – states struggled to survive alone. Yet it has been rare for all three to be friends at the same time.While common trends can be seen within the European states, there is an illusion of unity, since cultural particularisms have always tempered full integration. In this broader context, setbacks like Brexit can be seen as predictable and manageable. After all, the federal project has a strong pedigree, with roots in the Holy Roman Empire, and the EU remains a formidable institution of twenty-seven states. While Britain is left to forge a role outside the EU, Sweeney identifies a familiar semi-detachment, highlighting pragmatism and historical constancy at the heart of Europe." -- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: Brexit, Populist Aberration or Slow Burn Revolt?

From Holy Roman Empire to German Empire: Wars, Politics and Diplomacy, 1648-1864

From Bismarck to Brexit: Wars, Politics and Diplomacy, 1864-2018

Cameralism to Cobden-Chevalier: Economics of European Integration, 1648-1871

Bismarck's Gold Standard to EMU: Economics of European Integration, 1871-2018

From Empire Plantations to Boers and Boxers: Empires, Migrations and Europe, 1648-1904

From Entente to Enlargement: Empires, Migrations and Europe, 1902-2018

Religion and the 'Other' in Europe, 1648-2018

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 349-374) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Anne and Joseph Trachtman Memorial Book Fund.

ISBN:

1789140609

9781789140606

OCLC:

1041802328