Ideologies and the European Union

This book explores the concept of ideology in relation to the European Union, examining how the process of European integration has shaped the ideological battles that define contemporary European politics. It argues that the EU is both an ideologically motivated project and a regulatory body focused on producing output legitimacy, and provides a reappraisal of its contemporary ideological make-up.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The concept of ideology holds significant potential for enhancing our understanding of the European Union (EU). By examining the interplay between the EU's process of integration and the ideological battles that shape contemporary European politics, both nationally and transnationally, this volume aims to shed light on the ways in which ideology contributes to the dynamics and evolution of the EU.

Contemporary debates surrounding the EU often revolve around the notion of ideology. Critics of the EU frequently portray it as an ideologically driven project, associating it with left-wing ideologies such as 'neo-liberal capitalism' or right-wing ideologies such as 'liberal multiculturalism.' On the other hand, its defenders often praise it in explicitly post- or anti-ideological terms, emphasizing its role as a regulatory body focused on producing output legitimacy or as a safeguard against the resurgence of dangerous ideological currents, such as nationalism and populism.

Surprisingly, the existing academic literature linking the study of the EU with that of ideologies is relatively limited. This volume seeks to address this gap by bringing together a collection of original contributions from leading international scholars. Taking a historical and conceptual approach, the chapters in this book explore the ideological roots of the EU while also laying the groundwork for a reevaluation of its contemporary ideological makeup.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of European Public Policy, a leading journal in the field of European politics and policy studies. The contributions in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including the historical origins of the EU, the role of ideology in shaping its policies and institutions, and the ways in which the EU's integration process has influenced the ideological battles of the present day.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the relationship between the EU and liberalism. While some scholars argue that the EU is a manifestation of liberal ideals, others suggest that it has evolved into a distinct form of liberalism that incorporates elements of social democracy and conservatism. The chapters in this book examine the various strains of liberalism that have influenced the EU's development, including classical liberalism, social liberalism, and neoliberalism, and explore how these ideologies have shaped its policies on issues such as economic regulation, social welfare, and foreign policy.

Another important theme is the role of nationalism in shaping the EU's ideological landscape. While the EU has been praised for its ability to promote a sense of European identity and unity, critics argue that it has also been used as a tool to suppress national identities and promote a unified European identity. The chapters in this book examine the ways in which nationalism has influenced the EU's policies on issues such as immigration, cultural heritage, and foreign policy, and explore how the EU's attempts to balance national interests with its commitment to European integration have shaped its ideological trajectory.

The book also explores the relationship between the EU and democracy. While the EU is often portrayed as a democratic institution, critics argue that it lacks genuine democratic legitimacy and that its decision-making processes are undemocratic. The chapters in this book examine the various mechanisms through which the EU claims to be democratic, including the role of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Court of Justice, and explore how these institutions have influenced the EU's decision-making processes and the distribution of power within the EU.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable contribution to the study of the EU and ideology. By examining the interplay between the EU's process of integration and the ideological battles that shape contemporary European politics, it provides a deeper understanding of the ways in which ideology contributes to the dynamics and evolution of the EU. The contributions in this book offer a range of perspectives and insights that will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the study of European politics and policy.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367689858