The Origins of European Integration
The Pre-History of Today's European Union, 1937–1951

Explores how and why European integration emerged, providing a deeper understanding of post-war Western Europe and today's European Union.

Mathieu Segers (Author)

9781009379427, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 November 2023

268 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

'Seger's book makes an important contribution to the prehistory of the European integration process in several areas. … Both as a synthesis of earlier research and because of its novel approaches and hitherto unpublished material, the book will be indispensable for those who want to understand how different ideas and schools of thought influenced the planning for the postwar international order and for the reconstruction of Europe. It is a must-read for scholars studying how the interaction of intellectuals, academics, planners, and policymakers contributed to the emergence of the European Union that we know today.' Robin M. Allers, H-Diplo

Bringing together political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and contemporary history, this book explores why and how European integration came to pass. It tells a fascinating story of ideals and realpolitik, political dreams and geographical realities, and planning and chaos. Mathieu Segers reveals that the roots of today's European Union lie deep in Europe's past and encompass more than war and peace, or diplomacy and economics. Based on original archival and primary source research, Segers provides an integrated history of the beginnings of European integration and the emergence of post-war Western Europe and today's European Union. The Origins of European Integration offers a broad perspective on the genealogy of post-war Western Europe, providing readers with a deeper understanding of contemporary European history and the history of transatlantic relations.

Introduction
1. The genealogy of Western Europe
Part I. Beyond Americanisation (1937–1947): 2. In search of a programme for the West
3. Re-conceptualising capitalism and democracy
4. The great escape
Part II. The Making of European Integration (1947–1951): 5. The Marshall plan: Western Europe as a unit
6. British preoccupations and ecumenical politics
7. Reality check: the OEEC and 'integration'
Conclusion
8. Eclipsing Atlantis.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]