The European Union

A Choice Outstanding Academic Book, 2001

This book examines dilemmas such as the conflict between national sovereignty and the development of regional social policies in Europe, the external impact of the European Union, and conflicts between democratic openness and accountability on the one hand and expert decisionmaking on the other.The European Union: Dilemmas of Regional Integration is a readable, informative volume for students and instructors of introductory and intermediate courses in international relations and comparative politics. Since the daily activities of the European Union cut across the comparative/IR distinction, the book will prove useful in both courses.Caporaso begins with a detailed chapter that provides readers with important information about the institutions and history of the European Union. In subsequent chapters he examines dilemmas such as the conflict between national sovereignty and the development of regional social policies, the external impact of the European Union (is it open or close, a force for peace or a source of conflict?), and conflicts between democratic openness and accountability on the one hand and expert decisionmaking on the other. Caporaso develops the implications of these dilemmas by place them within broader debates in comparative and international politics. It was named a Choice Outstanding Academic Book of 2001.