European integration and national identity. The challenge of the Nordic states

Book abstract:

The four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway all held referenda on their relationship to the European Union in the 1990s. This book examines how ideas of national identity play a role in the contested nature of European integration in Scandinavia. The book uses a new framework for studying European integration in the use of discourse analysis and applying it to foreign policy.

The book begins by presenting the theoretical framework of the study. It describes the relationship between the author's approach, post-structuralism and structuralism and outlines the use of discourse analysis in foreign policy. Analysis is then presented of the debate over European integration in each of the Nordic countries. Core positions in the debate are outlined followed by the formation of the key concepts of state, nation and the people. The book concludes by providing an outlook on the future of 'Europe' in the Nordic countries.

The book is aimed at students of European Integration. Lene Hansen is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen. Ole Waver is Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen.