Rethinking European Integration History in Light of Capitalism

This book explores the possibilities and perspectives of intertwining European integration historiography with the history and concept of capitalism. It proposes three major approaches for historians to use capitalism as an analytical tool, including bringing the question of social conflict into European integration history, conceptualizing the link between European governance, Europeanization, and the globalization of capitalism, and investigating the economic, political, and ideological models or doctrines that underlie European cooperation, integration, policies, and institutions. This analytical encounter between European integration history and capitalism helps to better understand how today's Europe resulted from a complex social, economic, and political conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating intersection of European integration historiography and the history and concept of capitalism, offering a wealth of possibilities and perspectives. While debates on capitalism have gained renewed momentum since the 2008 crisis, it is remarkable that historians of European integration have largely avoided delving into the concept of capitalism. This book aims to rectify this by conceptualizing capitalism as a valuable analytical tool that historians of European integration can harness. To achieve this, it proposes three compelling approaches:

Firstly, by integrating the question of social conflict, a fundamental aspect of capitalism, into the narrative of European integration history. By examining the ways in which social tensions and conflicts have shaped the development of European integration, historians can gain a deeper understanding of the complex web of factors that have contributed to the formation of todays Europe.

Secondly, by exploring the intricate relationship between European governance, Europeanization, and the globalization of capitalism. By examining how European institutions and policies have facilitated or hindered the global spread of capitalism, historians can shed light on the mechanisms that have shaped the economic, political, and social landscape of the continent.

Thirdly, by investigating the economic, political, and ideological models or doctrines that underpin European cooperation, integration, policies, and institutions. By examining the underlying assumptions and beliefs that guide European cooperation, historians can gain a deeper appreciation of the forces that have driven the continent's development and the challenges it faces in the future.

Through this analytical encounter between European integration history and capitalism, readers will gain a better understanding of how todays Europe emerged from a complex social, economic, and political conflict that played out in part at the European level. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the esteemed journal, the European Review of History, making it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers alike.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032264479