{"product_id":"embattled-europe-a-progressive-alternative","title":"Embattled Europe: A Progressive Alternative","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eEmbattled Europe challenges the notion of European decline by highlighting the EU's achievements and resilience in the face of challenges.\u003cbr\u003eThe European Union has faced numerous challenges in recent years, but a historian argues that it is not in decline. Embattled Europe presents a fresh account of the EU's post-1989 history and an understanding of its twentieth-century horrors. The book describes the EU's admirable approach to the environment, social welfare, immigration, and global competitiveness and presents underappreciated European success stories. It makes a powerful case that Europe offers the best progressive alternative to the military adventurism and rampant inequality of plutocratic capitalism and right-wing authoritarianism. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 344 pages\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 September 2021\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Princeton University Press\u003cbr\u003e                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe European Union (EU) has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the debt and migration crises, Brexit, and the rise of right-wing populism. Many observers have argued that the EU's best days are behind it and that it is in decline. However, renowned European historian Konrad Jarausch offers a compelling and realistic defense of the continent in his book Embattled Europe. Jarausch argues that the EU has emerged as a model of democratic governance and balanced economic growth, adapting to changing times while retaining its value system. The book describes the EU's admirable approach to the environment, social welfare, immigration, and global competitiveness and presents underappreciated European success stories such as Denmark's transition to a green economy, Sweden's restructuring of its welfare state, and Poland's economic miracle. Jarausch makes a powerful case that Europe offers the best progressive alternative to the military adventurism and rampant inequality of plutocratic capitalism and right-wing authoritarianism.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe EU's post-1989 history is a key factor in its resilience and success. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the EU embarked on a process of deep integration, creating a single market and a common currency. This integration has led to increased economic growth, job creation, and social mobility. However, it has also been accompanied by significant challenges, such as the debt and migration crises.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe debt crisis began in 2008 when the Greek government defaulted on its debt. This crisis quickly spread to other countries in the eurozone, including Portugal, Ireland, and Italy. The EU responded by implementing a series of bailout packages, which were designed to stabilize the financial system and prevent a collapse of the euro. However, these bailout packages were criticized for being too lenient on the debtor countries and for not addressing the underlying causes of the crisis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe migration crisis began in 2015 when a large number of refugees and migrants began to arrive in Europe. Many of these migrants were fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. The EU responded by implementing a series of policies, including border controls and asylum procedures. However, these policies were criticized for being too harsh and for not providing adequate support to the migrants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrexit is another significant challenge for the EU. In 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU, and the process of leaving is still ongoing. Brexit has led to significant economic uncertainty, as the UK is one of the EU's largest trading partners. It has also led to a loss of political influence for the UK in the EU.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, the EU has continued to grow and prosper. In 2017, the EU's GDP grew by 2.3%, and it is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2018. The EU's unemployment rate is also low, at 7.4%, and it has one of the highest levels of social welfare in the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe EU's success is due to a number of factors, including its democratic governance, balanced economic growth, and social welfare solidarity. The EU's democratic governance is based on the principle of rule of law, and it has a system of checks and balances that ensure that the government is accountable to the people. The EU's balanced economic growth is based on a combination of free market capitalism and social welfare policies. The EU's social welfare solidarity is based on the principle of solidarity between the member states, and it provides a range of benefits to its citizens, including healthcare, education, and social security.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, the EU's success has also been challenged by a number of factors, including the rise of right-wing populism. Right-wing populism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty and the rejection of globalization. Right-wing populists have gained popularity in many European countries, and they have been successful in winning elections using strident anti-EU rhetoric.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRight-wing populism is a threat to the EU's democratic governance and balanced economic growth. Right-wing populists often advocate for policies that would reduce the role of the EU in the economy, and they often oppose immigration. Right-wing populists also often advocate for policies that would reduce the role of the EU in the environment, and they often oppose climate change policies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo address the rise of right-wing populism, the EU has implemented a number of policies. These policies include the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights, which protects the rights of EU citizens, and the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy, which provides for the defense of the EU's member states. The EU has also implemented a number of policies to address the debt and migration crises, including the European Stability Mechanism and the European Migration Pact.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these policies, the rise of right-wing populism continues to be a threat to the EU's democratic governance and balanced economic growth. Right-wing populists often use fear and division to gain political support, and they often oppose policies that would benefit the EU's citizens.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the European Union has faced numerous challenges in recent years, but it has continued to grow and prosper. The EU's post-1989 history is a key factor in its resilience and success, and its democratic governance, balanced economic growth, and social welfare solidarity are its key strengths. However, the rise of right-wing populism is a threat to the EU's democratic governance and balanced economic growth, and the EU has implemented a number of policies to address this threat. By continuing to work together, the EU can ensure that it remains a strong and prosperous region in the years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 718g                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 166 x 242 x 33 (mm)                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780691200415                                                      \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Konrad H. Jarausch","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44101522424058,"sku":"9780691200415","price":28.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/274ea30167a6ca008b2bb30796a155c8.jpg?v=1638157801","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/embattled-europe-a-progressive-alternative","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}