
The Euro Experiment
Paul Wallace(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 26. November 2015
Book
Hardback
353 pages
978-1-107-10489-1 (ISBN)
Description
How and why did the euro crisis happen? What are the implications for the economic and political future of Europe? The euro is an extraordinary political and economic experiment, the results of which are still highly uncertain. This book, written by a leading commentator on the economics of the European Union, provides a clear and analytical guide to the euro experiment and the subsequent crisis. Written in a balanced way that is neither pro-euro nor euro-sceptic, it explains the political forces that helped to create and maintain the single currency. Further, it argues that the recent crisis can be best understood in terms of six fundamental issues: sovereign debt, banking, private debt, macroeconomic imbalances, defective economic governance, and the interplay of national and European politics. This accessible account will appeal to a wide readership, including general readers and students as well academics and policymakers working in banking and public policy.
Reviews / Votes
'This excellent book provides a convincing analysis of the euro crisis, examining six distinct facets of it, of which deeply flawed governance is adjudged to have been the most damaging. It is very well researched, well documented and has clearly benefited from the author's proximity to the action throughout the many twists and turns. A particular strength of the book is that, unlike the analyses of so many mainstream economists (especially those of an Anglo-Saxon persuasion), it explains the complicated political economy challenges behind the crisis.' Iain Begg, Professorial Research Fellow, European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science 'The euro crisis, as Paul Wallace reminds us, is one of those times when history speeds up. Wallace slows it down just enough to render the crisis comprehensible without sacrificing the drama associated with the breakneck pace of events. The euro is not going away anytime soon, and neither is this invaluable book.' Barry Eichengreen, George C. Pardee and Helen N. Pardee Professor of Economics and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley 'Well written, insightful, and meticulously balanced, The Euro Experiment provides an excellent guide to why the Eurozone crisis occurred and why the interaction of economic and political factors have made it so difficult to resolve. Clearly identifying the inherent design flaws of the Eurozone project, it defines well the major changes needed if the euro is to succeed rather than merely survive. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing Europe.' Lord Adair Turner, Institute for New Economic Thinking 'Clear, concise, and written amid the prime parameters of acute balance - that is neither pro-euro nor pro-euro sceptic -The Euro Experiment finds Paul Wallace asking all the pertinent questions ... Written by a leading commentator on the economics of the European Union, these nine chapters provide a clear and analytical guide to the advent of the euro experiment, and in my opinion, its hugely foreseeable crisis.' David Marx, David Marx: Book Reviews (davidmarxbookreviews.wordpress.com)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
2 Tables, black and white; 15 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
650 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-107-10489-1 (9781107104891)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Paul Wallace
The Euro Experiment
E-Book
12/2015
Cambridge University Press
€29.49
Available for download

Person
Paul Wallace is European economics editor at The Economist, covering the economies and public finances of the European Union. He is also a former economics editor of The Independent.
Content
Preface; 1. A question of survival; 2. Defective design; 3. Fragile strength; 4. Greeks bearing debts; 5. Bad banks; 6. Hotel California: the existential crisis; 7. Defender of last resort; 8. Sovereign remedies; 9. Debtors' prison; Notes; Index.