In this polished and perceptive work, Gilbert covers the evolving integration of Europe since 1945. He seeks successfully to establish context and to show the contingency of events, rather than to prove a theory. Key focus is given to the views and roles of major national leaders. The author is thus neither intentionally Eurofederalist nor Eurosceptical, but is certainly more cautious about integration than in his Surpassing Realism (2003). In particular, Gilbert argues that European integration may well have reached its limit, given both the diversity across countries and public opinion in most member states. The book is quite up-to-date (through 2011), thus including the current economic and debt crisis. Although a historian, the author is entirely familiar with the relevant political science literature. The book also contains both a chronology and a useful bibliographical essay designed as the basis for an undergraduate history course. While there are many books on the history of European integration, this one stands out for its insights, balance, and quality of writing. It is a pleasure to read. Summing Up: Highly recommended.
CHOICE
An incisive history of European integration that incorporates the doubts, hesitations, and contradictions of integration as well as its successes. Emphasizing the determination of member states to defend their formal sovereign rights while engaged in the process of integration, Mark Gilbert illuminates the complexity of European integration, including its current malaise and uncertainties. The introduction of the Euro resulted in an unexpected and very powerful dynamic, one that may lead to much deeper integration—or to its severe fraying. This history, beautifully written, is a must-read for both the amateur and the expert.
Alberta M. Sbragia, University of Pittsburgh Mark Gilbert is a perceptive and thoughtful observer of the history of the integration process. His text is hence an excellent starting point for those coming fresh to the subject and seeking a book that will not only explore what happened and why but also connect this process with the wider evolution of Europe and the wider world since 1945.
Piers Ludlow, London School of Economics Mark Gilbert's book escapes the twin mythologies of Eurofederalism and Euroscepticism to provide a balanced, well-crafted, clear-cut, and yet comprehensive historical account of the complex, often twisted paths of European integration up to the present. It illuminates the moments of inspired political leadership, no less than the retreats and imperfect compromises, in a narrative that includes the international as well as domestic roots, stimuli, and constraints that built the Europe in which we live. Integration here comes alive neither as neat design nor preordained fate but as the lively, messy historical outcome of converging, and yet diverse and often conflicting, views, interests, and responses to ever-shifting challenges.
Federico Romero, European University Institute Honest, detailed, balanced, thoughtful. This is really a worthwhile addition to the genre.
Michael J. Lynch, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff