The European Commission and the Integration of Europe: Images of Governance

ISBN-13: 9780521806671 / Angielski / Twarda / 2002 / 292 str.

Liesbet Hooghe

Opis

It is often assumed that the European Commission is a unitary actor, with a shared set of values. Liesbet Hooghe's book questions this assumption through interviews with over one hundred officials on central issues in the governance of Europe. She finds that officials in fact have diverse views, are not "socialized" during their time at the Commission, and that contention over key issues within the Commission echoes debates among Europe's wider public. The Commission is not, she argues, a determinedly pro-integrationist organization with closer union as its aim.

Recenzje

'… nicely and clearly presented … rigorous … Liesbet Hooghe has produced an excellent book on the preferences of top EC officials, with several great merits … the empirical results contribute greatly to a better understanding of the EU's functioning. Finally, the straightforward structure and informative character makes the work extremely useful for teaching how to take on an empirical research project related to the EU: the introductory parts on preference formation and operationalisation of the research are very clearly written and reveal the rigorously elaborated design of Hooghe's research … rich and testifies to great scholarship; the conclusions are enlightening … an outstanding example of empirical research on European integration. Above all, it is highly recommended to scholars embarking on empirical challenges not only in EU studies but in comparative politics in general.' Journal of International Relations and Development

Spis treści

1. Preference formation in the European Commission; 2. Men (and women) at Europe's helm; 3. Images of Europe; 4. Beyond supranational interest; 5. Capitalism against capitalism; 6. Principal or agent; 7. Accommodating national diversity; 8. Conclusion; Appendix.