The Pursuit of Europe: A History

The European Union is facing extinction, but the book "The Pursuit of Europe" explains how it became possible to imagine that the diverse peoples of Europe might be united in a single political community. It argues that the EU has created a new post-national order united in a political life based on a common body of values and aspirations, which will allow it to defeat its political enemies and overcome the difficulties it faces.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The European Union, we are often told, is on the brink of extinction. However, most of those who hold this belief lack a comprehensive understanding of how and why the idea of a united Europe could ever become plausible. The Pursuit of Europe delves into the historical evolution of the European project, spanning from the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, which witnessed the initial establishment of a Concert of Europe, to the recent Brexit. The central question revolves around how, in the wake of centuries of internecine conflict, a unified Europe could be created while simultaneously preserving the political, legal, and cultural integrity of each individual nation. The urgency to find a solution to this challenge grew even more pronounced after the two world wars, which demonstrated that for Europe to maintain its global influence, it would have to unite as a collective.

To achieve this, the nations of Europe had to embrace a new form of trans-national constitutionalism, where their sovereign powers would be merged into a shared framework. This is precisely what the European Union has attempted to accomplish. In his book, Anthony Pagden contends that the EU has not created a super-state but rather a novel post-national order unified by a shared set of values and aspirations. This, according to Pagden, is the key to the Union's ability to defeat its political adversaries from within and overcome the challenges posed by phenomena such as mass migration and the pandemic.

However, for the EU to succeed in its endeavors, it must continue to evolve as it has over the past two centuries. The world is constantly changing, and the Union must adapt to new circumstances and challenges to remain relevant and effective. This requires a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and cooperation among its member states, as well as a willingness to address the underlying issues that contribute to division and conflict.

In conclusion, the European Union faces significant challenges, but it is not facing extinction. The pursuit of a united Europe has a rich history, and the Union has made significant progress in achieving its goals. However, the road ahead is still fraught with obstacles, and the Union must continue to evolve and adapt to remain a force for positive change in the world. By embracing a shared set of values and aspirations, and by working together to address the challenges of our time, the European Union can secure a bright future for itself and for generations to come.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198757665