The Idea of a European Superstate – Public Justification and European Integration - Hardcover

Morgan, Glyn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691122466 ISBN 13: 9780691122465

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Is there a justification for European integration? The Idea of a European Superstate examines this--the most basic--question raised by the European Union. In doing so, Glyn Morgan assesses the arguments put forward by eurosceptics and their critics. In a challenge to both sides of the debate, Morgan argues in support of a European superstate. Unless Europe forms a unitary sovereign state, Europe will remain, so he maintains, weak and dependent for its security on the United States.

This book represents a unique effort by a political philosopher to examine the justification of European integration. This issue is now a central focus of the debate provoked by Europe's Constitutional Treaty and European Enlargement. "In contrast to most supporters of the European project, Morgan shares the eurosceptics' belief in the importance of sovereignty. In contrast to the eurosceptics, however, Morgan believes that Europeans would have to abandon national "sovereignty in favor of European sovereignty.

The Idea of a European Superstate reshapes the debate on European political integration. It throws down a gauntlet to eurosceptics and euro-enthusiasts alike. While employing the arguments of contemporary political philosophy and international relations, this book is written in an accessible fashion that anyone interested in European integration can understand.

About this title

Review:

"Glyn Morgan's book represents a refreshing approach to the literature on the nature and future of the European integration project. . . . [B]y tackling the issue of justification rather than legitimation, Morgan tackles the crucial issue that appears to be the biggest current obstacle to further European constitutionalization."--Matt McCullock, Journal of Contemporary European Studies

"This well-written, well-argued, and challenging essay offers both a strong contribution to the debate about the shape of European integration and an argument for the relevance of political philosophy to international relations."--Foreign Affairs Magazine

From the Back Cover:

"Much of the literature on Europe is low-powered, boring Eurospeak. The Idea of a European Superstate is utterly different. For one thing, it is beautifully written: elegant, incisive, witty, engaged, and on top of many literatures. For another, it really does have a new approach--that of providing normative arguments to argue openly, against the grain of most intellectual and public opinion, for something like a United States of Europe. This is a strikingly original contribution. At the same time this book is a true exercise in political theory. Morgan draws distinctions of real and lasting interest. This is an incisive book that makes you think--indeed one that makes you re-examine those of your beliefs you thought were secure."--John Hall, McGill University, author of International Orders and coauthor of Is America Breaking Apart?

"This is a lucid and much-needed book in the genre of what might be called 'applied political theory.' It asks a number of fundamental normative questions in a clear and concise manner, and clarifies the stakes of what the author himself rightly describes as an ongoing fundamental political transformation. Morgan very effectively takes apart the often unquestioned assumptions of both euro-sceptics and euro-enthusiasts."--Jan-Werner Mueller, Princeton University, author of Another Country: German Intellectuals, Unification, and National Identity

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0691122466
• ISBN 13: 9780691122465
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 204