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Theme-based book review: Historical and Critical Perspectives on the EU
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Theme-based book review: Historical and Critical Perspectives on the EU

Christopher L. Atkinson
International Journal of Public Administration, Vol.44, pp.440-445
44
2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2020.1717529
Web of Science ID: WOS:000621180900009

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Abstract

The European Union is at an historical moment, one arguably more significant than those previously experienced. It has been suggested that some of the turmoil can be explained by “enemization of otherness and...distrust in...institutions” (Salvatore, Fini, Mannarini, Valsiner, & Veltri,2019, p. vi), as well as a rise in matters of identity as people seek to make sense of what is occurring. Such shifts have to an extent called into question the legitimacy of the European project, many decades in the making, and sowed doubts about sovereignty, freedom (Rensmann,2019), and supranational relationships generally. With the UK’s move toward exit from the EU (popularly Brexit) and recent reaffirmation of the decision through a Tory victory and return of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, who campaigned on a swift conclusion to the drama, old tensions about the inclusion and involvement of the UK in a larger EU have culminated in great change for both Britain and a UK-less EU. The 2019 election success of the Scottish National Party has revealed deep divisions within the UK as well, to the point of again raising the possibility of a Scottish independence referendum. Division and calls for national identity are seemingly everywhere. The state of integration has allowed member nations autonomy over particular interests, while still affording the EU an opportunity to expand its reach, within EU borders and internationally; an EU identity has taken hold and strengthened (McCrea,2017). The EU has many member nations and a sense of value in member-ship appears to hold commonly for those remaining; however, even with the existence of a distinctly EU identity, polarization across the continent has been noted. The breaking point in Britain has been the topic of immigration, with nationalistic and xenophobic tendencies among older male citizens, concerned about rapid and significant societal change (Baglioni, Biosca, & Montgomery,2019). In the EU, nations with a lower GDP growth have shown more interest in leaving the EU (Baglioni et al.,2019). Anti-EU sentiment on the continent has likewise stemmed from immigration concern (Modebadze,2019). Economic inequality and fear of a future out of control have led to immigrant scapegoating (Cecchi,2019). Lack of financial discipline in member states, volatility, and a lack of interest in EU-led reforms have shown fault lines in membership expectations and values (Rehman,2015).At the same time, the pressures of an aging work-force have caused concerns about human resources in the public and private sectors across the EU (Chand &Markova,2019). The ability of nations and the EU asa grouping to address such challenges also feeds into the legitimacy of governance. While the EU has sought to achieve leadership in a variety of areas, normative and otherwise, including in human resources, its ability to achieve its aims is limited because the ability of the European Commission to intercede in nation’s affairs has been limited (Tome ́,2005). Problems abound, from macro-level issues of the EU and its relationship to a complex world to micro-level pressures for entities and individuals. The academic literature has seized on perceived needs of the EU and its member states in public and private contexts, to understand historical aspects, what got the EU to this point–as well as to address present and future challenges. This essay considers three recent books on European Union governance, policy, and related issues: Governing Europe in a Globalizing World: Neoliberalism and its Alternatives following the 1973 Oil Crisis, by Laurent Warlouzet; The External Dimension of EU Agencies and Bodies: Law and Policy, edited by Herwig C. H. Hofmann, Ellen Vos, and Merijn Chamon; and Investments in a Sustainable Workforce in Europe, edited by Tanjavander Lippe and Zoltan Lippenyi.

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