Reluctant Europeans. Norway, Sweden and Switzerland in the process of integration

Book abstract:

The author admits to this work being ten years in gestation but its publication could hardly be more timely as one of the 'reluctants', Sweden, approaches the referendum on joining the Euro - the most significant decision for the Swedes as it embraces further EU integration. History suggests that reluctance will prevail and Sweden will vote 'No'. The book endeavours to explain why small, rich, and open economies such as Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have been so reluctant toward supranational integration. It draws on evidence contained in their integration policies over five decades, examining some thirty policy decisions. Following an introductory chapter the discussion moves to the potential impediments to integration and the key actors in the three countries. The next five chapters contain detailed analyses of each of the three countries in the five decades - 1950's through to 1990's. The author concludes that economics and trade advantages alone cannot override the potential domestic and geohistorical constraints that sustain the reluctance towards further integration and reinforce the need to assert the national 'self'.
The work will interest students and scholars in European Studies, policy researchers and politicians interested in the further expansion and integration of the EU.
Sieglinde Gstöhl is Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Institute of Social Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin.
Lynne Rienner books are distributed by Eurospan.

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