Ideologies and the European Union

This book offers insights into how ideology shapes the understanding of the European Union and its political complexities. Ideologies and the European Union presents original scholarly contributions.

This volume explores the role of ideology in understanding the European Union and how the European integration process has influenced the ideological conflicts shaping modern European politics, both at national and transnational levels. By examining the concept of ideology, the book aims to shed light on the complex dynamics within the EU and the various perspectives that inform its political landscape.

Contemporary discussions surrounding the European Union frequently reference the idea of ideology. Critics from both the left and right often characterize the EU as an ideologically-driven initiative, linking it to concepts such as 'neo-liberal capitalism' or 'liberal multiculturalism.' In contrast, supporters tend to frame the EU in post- or anti-ideological terms, viewing it as a regulatory entity focused on output legitimacy, or as a safeguard against the resurgence of ideologies like nationalism and populism. Despite the significance of these debates, the academic literature connecting the EU with ideological studies remains surprisingly limited.

Ideologies and the European Union compiles original contributions from prominent international scholars, adopting both historical and conceptual perspectives. The book delves into the ideological foundations of the EU while encouraging a reexamination of its current ideological composition. This collection of essays, originally published as a special issue of the Journal of European Public Policy, aims to fill the gap in existing literature and provide a comprehensive understanding of the ideological dimensions of the EU.