
The Origins of European Integration
The Pre-History of Today's European Union, 1937-1951
Mathieu Segers(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 30. November 2023
Book
Hardback
268 pages
978-1-009-37941-0 (ISBN)
Description
Bringing together political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and contemporary history, this book explores why and how European integration came to pass. It tells a fascinating story of ideals and realpolitik, political dreams and geographical realities, and planning and chaos. Mathieu Segers reveals that the roots of today's European Union lie deep in Europe's past and encompass more than war and peace, or diplomacy and economics. Based on original archival and primary source research, Segers provides an integrated history of the beginnings of European integration and the emergence of post-war Western Europe and today's European Union. The Origins of European Integration offers a broad perspective on the genealogy of post-war Western Europe, providing readers with a deeper understanding of contemporary European history and the history of transatlantic relations.
Reviews / Votes
'A fascinating, ambitious, provocative, and wide-ranging story. Mathieu Segers takes the reader beyond diplomatic history to explain the deeper cultural, economic, and societal influences upon the early days of postwar European integration.' Anne Deighton, University of Oxford 'The originality of this book lies in its reconstruction of the inner world of ideas and emotions of the key actors and thinkers, as well as in its invaluable insights into the psychological dimension of power and its portrait of the battle of the 'blueprints of hope.' Kenneth Dyson, Cardiff University 'Mathieu Segers convincingly shows that integration was about the complex art of achieving what is possible in highly unpredictable circumstances. This insight remains relevant to this day, making this book a must read for everyone interested in the European project and its future.' Catherine E. de Vries, Bocconi University 'Mathieu Segers exhibits how the 'European Republic of Planning' was conceived and put into practice in the aftermath of WW2. This book is highly recommended for those who want to see and ponder contemporary Europe and the trans-Atlantic 'kinship' through the historical lens.' Jan Zielonka, University of Oxford and Venice, Ca Foscari 'With remarkable rigour and breadth of scholarship, Segers demonstrates how the Western European Communities that emerged in the 1950s were shaped by the competition of earlier plans written shortly before and during World War II.' Stella Ghervas, University of California, Los Angeles '... an important and fascinating research topic ... multilayered conceptual and historical analysis ... Recommended.' A. E. Wohlers, CHOICE 'Seger's book makes an important contribution to the prehistory of the European integration process in several areas. ... Both as a synthesis of earlier research and because of its novel approaches and hitherto unpublished material, the book will be indispensable for those who want to understand how different ideas and schools of thought influenced the planning for the postwar international order and for the reconstruction of Europe. It is a must-read for scholars studying how the interaction of intellectuals, academics, planners, and policymakers contributed to the emergence of the European Union that we know today.' Robin M. Allers, H-DiploMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
512 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-37941-0 (9781009379410)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Mathieu Segers
The Origins of European Integration
The Pre-History of Today's European Union, 1937-1951
Book
11/2023
Cambridge University Press
€30.00
Shipment within 15-20 days

E-Book
11/2023
Cambridge University Press
€27.99
Available for download
Person
Mathieu Segers is Professor of Contemporary European History at Maastricht University. He is general editor of The Cambridge History of the European Union and has previously held positions as research fellow at Harvard University and at the University of Oxford. His book The Netherlands and European Integration, 1950 to Present was awarded the Dutch PrinsjesBoeken prize for best political book in 2013. Segers is a member of The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy.
Content
Introduction; 1. The genealogy of Western Europe; Part I. Beyond Americanisation (1937-1947): 2. In search of a programme for the West; 3. Re-conceptualising capitalism and democracy; 4. The great escape; Part II. The Making of European Integration (1947-1951): 5. The Marshall plan: Western Europe as a unit; 6. British preoccupations and ecumenical politics; 7. Reality check: the OEEC and 'integration'; Conclusion; 8. Eclipsing Atlantis.