The Politics of Legitimation in the European Union: Legitimacy Recovered?

This book explores the legitimacy of the European Union by examining the roles of various actors, institutions, audiences, and contexts. It uses case studies to demonstrate how different actors have contributed to the politics of (re)legitimating the EU in response to recent problems. The book emphasizes that the politics of legitimacy are actor-dependent, context-dependent, and problem-dependent, and will be of interest to scholars and students of European integration, legitimacy, and democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the examination and investigation of the legitimacy of the European Union, recognizing the significance of diverse actors, institutions, audiences, and contexts. Through detailed case studies, it sheds light on how various actors have contributed to the politics of (re)legitimating the European Union in response to numerous recent challenges in European integration. The case studies specifically focus on the interests of stakeholders, social groups, officials, judges, the media, and other external actors to the Union. By exploring these diverse perspectives, the book aims to enhance our understanding of how the politics of legitimating the Union are inherently actor-dependent, context-dependent, and problem-dependent.

This book holds immense value for scholars and students engaged in the study of European integration, as well as those interested in legitimacy and democracy beyond the confines of the state from the perspectives of political science, political sociology, and the social sciences in general. It offers a rich and insightful exploration of the complex dynamics that shape the legitimacy of the European Union, providing valuable insights into the broader political landscape.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the legitimacy discourse. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. The second chapter explores the theoretical frameworks and concepts that underpin the study of legitimacy. It discusses the various dimensions of legitimacy, such as democratic legitimacy, legal legitimacy, and social legitimacy, and examines how these dimensions are influenced by actors, institutions, and audiences.

The third chapter presents a series of case studies that examine the politics of legitimating the European Union in response to specific challenges. These case studies cover a range of issues, including the Euro crisis, immigration policy, and the role of the European Court of Justice. Each case study provides a detailed analysis of the actors involved, the strategies employed, and the outcomes achieved. The fourth chapter summarizes the key findings and implications of the case studies, drawing out broader lessons about the politics of legitimacy in the European Union.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of European integration and the challenges facing the European Union. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the legitimacy discourse, drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. By exploring the diverse perspectives of actors, institutions, and audiences, the book offers a rich and insightful perspective on the politics of legitimating the European Union. This book will be of key interest to scholars and students of European integration, as well as those interested in legitimacy and democracy beyond the state from a point of view of political science, political sociology, and the social sciences more broadly.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032109329