The Cultural Diversity Of European Unity

This book investigates and compares the values and dynamics of value changes in important life domains of the Europeans from an economic, political, social, and religious-moral point of view and explores the relationships between value orientations and societies' structural characteristics.

The book addresses contemporary developments in European identity politics as part of a larger historical trajectory of a common European identity based on the idea of 'solidarity.' The authors explain the special sense in which Europeans perceive their obligations to their less fortunate compatriots, to the new East European members, and to the world at large. An understanding of this notion of 'solidarity' is critical to understanding the specific European commitment to social justice and equality. The specificity of this term helps to distinguish between what the Germans call "social state" from the Anglo-Saxon, and particularly American, political and social system focused on capitalism and economic liberalism. This collection is the result of the work of an extremely distinguished group of scholars and politicians, invited by the previous President of the European Union, Romano Prodi, to reflect on some of the most important subjects affecting the future of Europe.

As a consequence of various rounds of EU enlargements, the degree of cultural diversity in Europe has intensified a phenomenon which is increasingly perceived as problematic by many EU citizens. This fascinating book not only empirically explores the current state of the identity and the legitimacy of the EU as viewed by its citizens, but also evaluates their attitudes towards it. The expert contributors show that the development of a European identity and a common European culture is a prerequisite for European integration; that European identity and a common political culture will not develop rapidly but emerge slowly, and that the beginnings of a European identity and a common European culture are currently emerging. The roles of civil society organizations and political parties are examined within this context, and an explanatory model with subjective predictors of the attitudes towards the EU is tested. The empirical analysis is underpinned by a theoretical framework incorporating operational definitions and conceptual discussion of legitimacy and identity. This intriguing and thought-provoking book will be of great interest to academics, researchers and students focusing on political science and international relations.

Provides a contribution to the contemporary debate on the cultural dimension of European integration. The contributors develop conceptual, as well as empirical themes showing the importance of cultural diversity in Europe.

This is one of the first multi-disciplinary collections to examine aspects of both the unity and the enormous diversity which characterise contemporary Europe. Covering subjects as varied as the Second World War, advertising, and Romani culture, contributors explore some fascinating areas which often serve to highlight the importance of history, memory, identity and culture in the construction of Europe. In many ways the book is about renewal, but contributors approach the New Europe in a way which acknowledges the complexity of different cultures and identify often hidden obstacles along the path towards European unity. It recognises the importance of formal political, economic and legal frameworks, but also goes beyond them.

This accessible and innovative book recognizes that the European Union is now of crucial importance to the whole continent, and analyses the situation in both the East and the West. It offers a thorough discussion of issues such as the euro, social policy, democracy and security, and includes areas that are often overlooked: cultural policy; language; policing; and the specific experience of small states. By analyzing past trends in European unity and disunity European Integration in the Twenty-first Century also offers stimulating insights into possible developments in the future. Finally, the book moves beyond a narrow preoccupation with the economic market to identify new ways in which to construct a broader, more meaningful political and socio-economic community. Bringing together experts from different fields, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the many challenges to the on-going European integration project.

Nominated for The Adolphe Bentinck PrizeThis book provides a timely contribution to the contemporary debate on the cultural dimension of European integration. Eight authors from a wide range of disciplines - political science, economics, cultural studies, and history - develop conceptual, as well as empirical themes showing the importance of cultural diversity in Europe. The studies in this book address questions such as: > How different is British political culture from the French? > Will nation states disappear? > Are there cultural barriers to economic integration?

Europe has talked itself into a refugee and security crisis. There is, however, a misrecognition of the real challenge facing Europe: the challenge of managing the relationship between Europeans and the currently stigmatized ‘others’ which it has attracted. Making the case against a ‘Europe of walls’, Robin Wilson instead proposes a refounding of Europe built on the power of diversity and an ethos of hospitality rather than an institutional thicket serving the market.