The origins and evolution of the single market in Europe

Book abstract:

This study explores the development of the process of economic and political integration in Europe since the Second World War. In the course of the narrative, the thesis proposes several strategic questions: What were the origins of the European Project?; What were the political and institutional dynamics that governed this process of economic integration?; To what extent have international politico-economic relations conditioned its historical evolution?; and what appears to be the most likely outcome of this historic project?

Part I explores the origins of the Common Market in terms of the post-war economic recovery programme sponsored by the Americans. US strategic and economic objectives are discussed in the context of the inter-State configuration of political forces within Europe. The formation of the customs union and the emergence of trans-Atlantic rivalry concludes the narrative. Part II explores the issue of European Monetary Union in some detail to reveal the emergence of these trans-Atlantic rivalries and the rise of German economic dominance within Europe. The Internal Market Programme is critically analysed in Part III. The author argues that the historical origins and evolution of the single market have been primarily governed by international relations of economic and politico-military power. In the conclusion he puts forward three scenarios for the future evolution of the single market.