Alarums and Excursions: Improvising Politics on the European Stage

The European Union has been beset by crises such as Greek sovereign debt, Russian annexation of Crimea, unprecedented levels of migration, and the turmoil created by Brexit, forcing it to improvise on issues that it was not set up to handle. Luuk van Middelaar's book "Alarums and Excursions" showcases the relationship between the Union and the European heads of government and the stresses it must withstand in dealing with real-world events.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

The European Union has faced a series of crises in recent years, including Greek sovereign debt, the Russian annexation of Crimea, unprecedented levels of migration, and the turmoil created by Brexit. Initially established to regulate and enforce rules related to fishing rights, wheat quotas, and product standards, the EU has now been thrust into the global spotlight, forced to grapple with complex issues of identity, sovereignty, and solidarity without a predetermined script or prompt.

From Paris to Berlin, London to Athens, European leaders have been compelled to improvise on matters that the Union was never designed to handle, threatening to engulf this unique political entity. Their actions have been met with growing disillusionment and discord among the public, who have watched as the EU struggled to find its footing in a rapidly changing world.

In his insightful and candid book, Luuk van Middelaar delves into the EU's political metamorphosis over the past decade of crisis management. Drawing on a wealth of firsthand accounts and expert analysis, van Middelaar demonstrates how Europe has been forced to reinvent itself by casting off its legal constraints and confronting hard issues of power, territorial borders, and public authority.

Through the lens of Alarums and Excursions, van Middelaar explores the fascinating relationship between the EU and the European heads of government, highlighting the stresses and challenges they must endure in dealing with real-world events. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the inner power play and constitutional dynamics of this controversial but remarkable political institution, offering compelling reading for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the complexities of European politics.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788211727