Citizens of Europe? The emergence of a mass European identity

Abstract:

Whilst we might make the European Union the butt of straight banana jokes and inappropriate criticism as a club run by France and Germany, there is evidence that more and more people begin to consider themselves European, not instead of a national identity but supplemental to it. This book presents empirical evidence to support that statement.

The work is organised over eight chapters divided into two parts. Following an introduction setting out the conceptual framework of the study, part one opens with chapter two which explains the model of the book and the methods used to test it. Chapter three explores the development of new political identities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria and Israel. The fourth chapter considers the role of European institutions in fostering the notion of European citizenship as the integration process gathered speed. In part two, chapter five breaks new ground in measuring European identity, based on its subdivision into ‘spontaneous’, ‘civic’, and ‘cultural’ components. The influence of symbols of Europe are the subject of chapter six. The author asserts in chapter seven that a mass European identity has emerged in the period 1970 to 2000 and presents evidence drawn from the previous chapter to support his argument. Moving on from the argument as to whether or not a European identity exists, chapter eight explores what it means to be or feel European. The final chapter presents a summary of the main findings, the impact on our institutions and some questions about the way ahead.

The work will interest scholars and students engaged in European studies and European integration.

Michael Bruter is Lecturer in European Politics and Political Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science.