Simon Bulmer - Germany and the European Union: Europes Reluctant Hegemon?

Authoritative, comprehensive, accessible and compelling are accurate descriptions of this timely book written by the worlds two leading experts on this subject. A must-read for all students of Germany and Europe.

Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University, USA

Authoritative and comprehensive, this book is a must for anyone seriously interested in Germanys place and role in the European Union yesterday, today and tomorrow. What makes their assessment particularly valuable is the unique combination of long experience with and profound knowledge of Germany, and the detached, sober and pragmatic perspective the authors bring to their topic as eminent British social scientists.

Hanns W. Maull, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Germany, and Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe Bologna Center, Italy

Bulmer and Patersons masterful new book tackles the paradox that European integration was intended to preclude any new German hegemony after WWII but nearly helped produce such hegemony anyway. To be sure, hegemony was not what Germany desired, but the decline of France and Italy and the withdrawal of Britain left Germany exposed as a problem solver in over its head in a series of major crises. Despite inefficient problem-solving instruments, some cases have resulted in impressive successes while othersparticularly the euro crisishave seen Germany putting out the fire with gasoline.

Wade Jacoby, Brigham Young University, USA

This book is a major, timely and fascinating study of a central issue in European integration German power, an issue that will continue to overshadow discussions about institutional and policy development. It offers a masterly analysis of the role of German institutions and political actors, of how these have changed over time, and of the present and future difficulties in which Germany finds itself and to which it has itself contributed. The book is notable for its sober, nuanced and balanced assessment of Germanys position in the EU and the record of its chancellors. It is essential reading for all students of European integration and especially for those working on Germany.

Kenneth Dyson, Cardiff University, UK

Germany is the EUs indispensable state. The UK may leave but if Germany ever decided to opt for exit over voice that would signal the end of the EU. This timely volume, written by two leading scholars of Germany and European integration, is a must-read for those interested in the future of the EU and Germanys place in that complex polity.

Brigid Laffan, European University Institute, Italy

Two leading and experienced experts in the field provide us with a comprehensive study of Germanys changing role in the European Union. It links the analysis of the German growing influence at the European level, analyzed in terms of hegemony, to the internal fabric of Germanys European policy-making, constraining the reluctant hegemon. Well written and concisely argued, this landmark publication should stand on top of the reading lists of all serious students of German European policy.

Joachim Schild, University of Trier, Germany

When it comes to analysing Germanys role in the world, Bulmer and Paterson are absolute titans of the academic scene. Given that so much has changed in Europe in recent times, their analysis of Germanys position in European politics subsequently remains an absolute must-read. Indeed, anyone serious about understanding Germanys role not just in Europes past but in solving its future problems needs to put this volume right at the top of their reading list.

Dan Hough, University of Sussex, UK

This is indispensable reading for those interested in Germanys relationship with the EU. It will be invaluable to scholars who wish to make statements about the historical context and evolution of German membership of the EU, the growth and transitions of German power and the domestic and foreign challenges which have reshaped that relationship. Based on a sophisticated theoretical framework which is enriched with interviews, this is an excellent and timely study from two of the most eminent commentators on the subject.

Ross Campbell, University of the West of Scotland, UK

This is an outstanding and timely book by two of the most eminent authorities on Germany and the European Union and a must-read for anyone interested in Germanys role within the EU. It offers an incisive analysis of Germanys EU policy from a new institutionalist perspective, charting its development from the early Bonn Republic to the present day Berlin Republic. This is an excellent book which will stand the test of time.

Rdiger Wurzel, University of Hull, UK

A timely and thought-provoking analysis of Germanys relationship with the EU. This insightful new book provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary Germanys role in Europe.

Ruth Wittlinger, Durham University, UK

Once again, Simon Bulmer and William E Paterson bring the full weight of their analytical powers to lay bare with characteristic clarity and scope the domestic and international challenges facing Germany. They have produced a book which is essential reading for anyone seeking to grasp the complexity of Germanys position in Europe and the world in these turbulent times.

Alister Miskimmon, Queens University Belfast, UK

THE EUROPEAN UNION SERIES

General Editors: Neill Nugent, William E. Paterson

The European Union series provides an authoritative library on the European Union, ranging from general introductory texts to definitive assessments of key institutions and actors, issues, policies and policy processes, and the role of member states.

Books in the series are written by leading scholars in their fields and reflect the most up-to-date research and debate. Particular attention is paid to accessibility and clear presentation for a wide audience of students, practitioners and interested general readers.

The series editors are Neill Nugent, Emeritus Professor of Politics at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and William E. Paterson, Honorary Professor in German and European Studies, University of Aston. Their co-editor until his death in July 1999, Vincent Wright, was a Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford University.

Feedback on the series and book proposals are always welcome and should be sent to Andrew Malvern, Palgrave, 4 Crinan Street, London N1 9XW, or by e-mail to

General textbooks

Published

Laurie Buonanno and Neill Nugent Policies and Policy Processes of the European Union

Desmond Dinan Encyclopedia of the European Union

[Rights: Europe only]

Desmond Dinan Europe Recast: A History of the European Union (2nd edn)

[Rights: Europe only]

Desmond Dinan Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European Integration (4th edn)

[Rights: Europe only]

Mette Eilstrup Sangiovanni (ed.) Debates on European Integration: A Reader

Simon Hix and Bjrn Hyland The Political System of the European Union (3rd edn)

Dirk Leuffen, Berthold Rittberger and Frank Schimmelfennig Differentiated Integration

Paul Magnette What is the European Union? Nature and Prospects

John McCormick Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction (7th edn)

Brent F. Nelsen and Alexander Stubb The European Union: Readings on the Theory and Practice of European Integration (4th edn)

[Rights: Europe only]

Neill Nugent (ed.) European Union Enlargement

Neill Nugent The Government and Politics of the European Union (8th edn)

John Peterson and Elizabeth Bomberg Decision-Making in the European Union

Ben Rosamond