Europeanization and Territorial Politics in Small European Unitary States: A Comparative Analysis

The book explores how the European Union (EU) affects subnational mobilization in small unitary states, finding that domestic mediating factors determine outcomes such as decentralization, recentralization, or no change. It demonstrates the "hybrid nature of the European polity" and concludes that member state governments remain essential to the EU.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the profound impact of the European Union (EU) on subnational mobilization within small unitary states. Situated at the crossroads of insights from the fields of multilevel governance and Europeanization, this groundbreaking work presents a novel theoretical framework to understand state rescaling processes in these states. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis of eight small unitary states in Europe, the book unveils that the influence of the EU on subnational mobilization is filtered through domestic mediating factors, resulting in three distinct outcomes: decentralization, recentralization, or no change. This book offers a harmonious blend of analytical clarity and the richness of empirical accounts across a wide range of case studies, providing a fresh perspective on the "hybrid nature" of the European polity. Moreover, it underscores the enduring significance of member state governments as the central pillars of the European puzzle. In conclusion, this book reaches two paramount conclusions: firstly, that we are witnessing a transformative shift in the state rather than its demise; and secondly, that the notion of a "Europe of the Regions in small unitary states" was merely a "damp squib." The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal, Regional & Federal Studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367629656