Social Europe, the Road not Taken: The Left and European Integration in the Long 1970s

The book explores the European Left's attempt to create a social Europe during the 1970s, focusing on their project to transform capitalist Europe into a workers' Europe through coordinated measures for wealth redistribution, market regulation, democratization, and more. Despite facing opposition from the Right and the economic crisis, the social Europe project was defeated, leading to the affirmation of a neoliberal Europe. Understanding this forgotten struggle and its reasons is crucial for understanding the historical evolution of European integration and building alternative futures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This book delves into the fascinating journey of the European Left during the transformative 1970s, as they sought to envision and shape a novel vision of European integration—a vision of social Europe. Drawing upon a wealth of fresh archival material, it reveals that the Western European Left, particularly social democratic parties, trade unions, and to a lesser extent Eurocommunist parties, embarked on a remarkable project aimed at transforming capitalist Europe into a workers' Europe. This project encompassed a wide range of coordinated measures, including wealth redistribution, market regulation, the democratization of the economy and European institutions, upward harmonization of social and fiscal systems, the establishment of more inclusive welfare regimes, the guarantee of employment, comprehensive economic and social planning with a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, increased public spending to address collective needs, enhanced control over capital flows and multinational corporations, a reduction in working hours, and the establishment of a more equitable international economic order that prioritized the global south.

However, the path to social Europe was not an easy one. The defeat of this vision was the culmination of a decade-long social conflict that reached its climax with the affirmation of a neoliberal Europe. Understanding this forgotten struggle and the factors that led to its demise is not only crucial for scholars and students seeking to comprehend the historical evolution of European integration, the European Left, and European capitalism, but also for anyone passionate about building alternative European and global futures.

In the aftermath of 1968, a period characterized by labor militancy, the emergence of new social movements, economic crises, and the unraveling of the postwar compromise, a window of opportunity emerged for European integration to take a different course. The European Left, driven by a strong sense of social justice and equality, saw this as an opportunity to reshape the continent's destiny. They envisioned a Europe that would prioritize the well-being of its citizens, prioritize social welfare, and promote economic growth that was sustainable and equitable.

The Western European Left, with its strong influence in social democratic parties, trade unions, and Eurocommunist parties, formulated a comprehensive project to achieve this vision. They proposed a range of measures that aimed to redistribute wealth, regulate markets, democratize economic institutions, and promote social cohesion. They advocated for upward harmonization of social and fiscal systems, the establishment of more inclusive welfare regimes, the guarantee of employment, and the implementation of comprehensive economic and social planning that took into account environmental concerns.

Furthermore, the European Left sought to enhance control over capital flows and multinational corporations, reduce working hours, and establish a fairer international economic order that favored the global south. They believed that these measures would not only improve the lives of workers but also contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the continent.

However, the road to social Europe was fraught with challenges. The decade-long social conflict that ultimately led to the defeat of social Europe was marked by intense political polarization, economic crises, and the rise of right-wing populism. The neoliberal ideology, championed by influential figures such as Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, gained traction in Western Europe, advocating for free market capitalism, deregulation, and reduced government intervention.

The Western European Left, unable to counter the persuasive arguments of the neoliberal agenda, found themselves on the defensive. Their vision of social Europe was perceived as a threat to the existing economic order, and they were accused of promoting socialism and communism, which were seen as outdated and incompatible with the demands of the modern world.

As the social conflict intensified, the European Left faced mounting pressure from both within and outside their own ranks. Some members of the Left, influenced by the neoliberal ideology, began to compromise their principles and adopt policies that were more in line with market-driven capitalism. Others, who remained committed to social Europe, were marginalized and silenced by the dominant political discourse.

In the end, the defeat of social Europe was a devastating blow to the European Left. It marked the end of a vision that had captured the hearts and minds of many Europeans, and it set the stage for a decade of economic instability, social unrest, and political polarization. The legacy of social Europe continues to shape the political landscape of Europe today, and its lessons serve as a reminder of the importance of fighting for a more just and equitable society.

Despite the defeat of social Europe, the legacy of the European Left remains a powerful force in shaping the political discourse of the continent. The vision of social Europe, with its emphasis on social welfare, economic growth, and social cohesion, continues to inspire activists, politicians, and citizens alike. The struggle for a more just and equitable society is an ongoing one, and the lessons learned from the European Left's experience can be invaluable in building alternative European and global futures.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insight into the forgotten struggle of the European Left during the 1970s. It reveals the profound desire of the European Left to shape a different future for Europe, one that prioritized social welfare, economic growth, and social cohesion. Despite facing intense political polarization, economic crises, and the rise of right-wing populism, the European Left remained committed to their vision. Their legacy continues to inspire us today, as we continue to fight for a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 668g
Dimension: 241 x 163 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192867094