Description
Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the historical configuration of the territorial borders and functional boundaries of the European nation state. It presents integration as a process of boundary transcendence, redefinition, shift, and change that fundamentally alters the nature of the European states. Its core concern lies in the relationship between the specific institutional design of the new Brussels centre, the boundary redefinitions that result from its political production, and, finally, the consequences of these two elements on established and developing national European political structures. Integration is examined as a new historical phase in the development of Europe, characterized by a powerful trend toward legal, economic, and cultural de-differentiation after the five-century process of differentiation that led to the European system of nation states. Considering the EU as the formation of an enlarged territorial system, this work recovers some of the classic issues of political moder
Trade ReviewReview from previous edition 'It is fascinating because Bartolini shares with us his broad and extensive knowledge of European history and politics. The parts where he cuts through disciplinary boundaries and decades, if not centuries, of history and politics are a pleasure to read. One cannot but admire scholars that have the gift of both perusing and condensing such a broad field of knowledge.' * EUSA review *
Table of Contents1. A Theory of Exit Options, Boundary Building, and Political Structuring ; 2. Structuring Europe: The Experience of the 'Nation State' ; 3. Centre Formation in the European Union ; 4. The Political Production of the EU: Boundary Building and Boundary Removing ; 5. Political Structuring in Loosely Bounded Territories: Territorial and Corporate Structures ; 6. Electoral Representation in Loosely Bounded Territories: Mass Politics in the EU? ; 7. Restructuring Europe
