Whatever it Takes: The Battle for Post-Crisis Europe

Europe has built a social model that is second to none, but its citizens are questioning it due to suspicion and nationalism. Xenophobic, anti-immigrant sentiments, populists, and extremists dominate the policy debate, and the global economic forces have strained its institutions and capacity to respond appropriately. This book will attempt to understand what post-crisis Europe will look like and what opportunities there are to rethink its economic, social, and institutional architecture and address the democratic deficit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

For generations, Europeans have grown accustomed to a rising standard of living, a more comprehensive social safety net, and the belief that each generation will enjoy better conditions than the one before it. Europe has created a social model that is unparalleled and has brought together a continent of diverse nations into a community that shares common values with democratic institutions that are the envy of the world.

However, Europe, as a common project, is increasingly being questioned by its citizens. The emphasis on solidarity, which was the driving force behind social and economic integration, has given way to suspicion and nationalism. Xenophobic, anti-immigrant sentiments are straining openness and tolerance, while populists and extremists are setting the agenda and dominating the policy debate.

European countries have borne the brunt of the global economic forces that have strained its institutions and capacity to respond appropriately. Characterized by uncertainty and delay in handling the Euro crisis, Greece's ongoing economic woes, Brexit, and now the migrant crisis, Europe is at a crossroads in its development: a restructuring at the very least, if not a new settlement of power within the union, is on the cards.

This book aims to understand what post-crisis Europe will look like and what opportunities exist to rethink its economic, social, and institutional architecture as well as to address the nagging democratic deficit that undermines its legitimacy as a democratic entity. George Papaconstantinou is uniquely positioned to offer commentary on the workings of the union and its internal behavior. Appointed Greek Finance Minister by Papandreou in the newly formed government in 2009, he played a key role in the Greek crisis, negotiating the first bail-out with the Troika.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911116974