The political economy of European employment. European integration and the transnationalization of the (un)employment question

Abstract:

Before moving to the content, it is perhaps worthwhile to explain the subtitle and specifically the use of the term 'transnationalisation'. Why not 'globalisation' or 'internationalisation'? The author explains that both these words give a perspective viewed more from a geographical aspect whereas 'transnationalisation' refers more to a 'social space transcending national borders' . The dynamics at work within that social space can simultaneously be at work in subnational, national and international areas and are not defined by the existence of national borders.

The work is organised in four parts. Part one looks at the history of globalisation and the impact it has had on the economic and ideological environment within which labour market restructuring in Europe takes place today. Part two addresses the challenges facing the European economies and presents detailed analysis of various national and transnational social and political forces that have influenced and shaped the emerging EU social and employment policies. The move towards harmonisation witnessed in the convergence requirements of EMU, and its impact on macro economic policy for both those Member States within and without EMU are included in the discussions in part three, which explore this and other variations within the EU. Part four offers a conclusion suggesting that social forces reacting to deepening recession and widespread unemployment will turn away from the free market doctrines and return to some sense of public and democratic governance in which global, European and national institutions will form part of the alternative to the present neo-liberal order.

The book will interest students and researchers of International Political Economy, Politics, Economics, European Studies, Public Policy and Industrial Sociology.

Henk Overbeek is Associate Professor of International Relations at the Vrije Universiteit, and Adjunct Professor of International Relations at Webster University, The Netherlands.