European political economy. Political science perspectives

Abstract:

This book seeks to bring new insights to the interpretation of political economy from the viewpoint of political scientists. It aims to provide a useful instructive tool for all scholars and students interested in a non-formalised political economy approach to European economic integration.

The work is spread over nine chapters organised in two parts. Following an introduction, part one presents an overview of theoretical approaches to European political economy, chapter two dealing with mainstream approaches and chapter three with critical approaches. Part two opens with chapter four which explores the competing political economy explanations of the making of EMU. Chapter five turns to the ECB, with an evaluation of its performance against a background of the theoretical frameworks presented in the first part of the book. Mass unemployment over the last decade is the subject of chapter six, whilst chapter seven focuses on the issue of social policy and the role of the social partners in the European decision-making process. Chapter eight examines the creation of 'Fortress Europe' and the development of a very strict migratory policy in the EU area. Globalisation and its impact on both the nation state and the process of regionalisation at the European level are discussed in the concluding chapter nine.

The book will interest scholars, students, policy researchers and makers engaged in the field of European integration and international relations.