Overview

How have European countries coped with the challenge of industrial capitalism and the rise of superpowers? Through an analysis of European integration from 1945 to the present day, Laurent Warlouzet argues that the European response was to create both new institutions and an original framework of governance for capitalism. Beyond the European case, he demonstrates that capitalism is not just a contest between free-markeeters and their opponents, those in favour of welfare and environmental policies, because there is a third camp which defends protectionism and assertive defence policies. Hence, the governance of capitalism has three foundational principles – liberty, solidarity and community. The book explores debates among Europeans about how to address global interdependence in political, economic, and environmental terms. It is based on fresh archival evidence collected in eight countries. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.

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9781009682640

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Reviews

‘Laurent Warlouzet offers an innovative and stimulating analysis of the forms of capitalist governance of European institutions since 1945, which he analyzes through an interesting trinity: freedom, solidarity, and community. He shows that the European Union is an ideal laboratory for understanding how compromises are negotiated between these types of capitalism. This can offer new perspectives on possible regulations for the global capitalist system.’ Sandrine Kott, author of A World More Equal: An Internationalist Perspective on the Cold War ‘This magnum opus sweeps across 75 years of integration history right up to current crises. Warlouzet’s challenging interpretation attributes the EU’s unique mix of policies to a specific balance that European capitalism strikes between liberty, equality and community.’ Andrew Moravcsik, author of The Choice for Europe ‘This book provides a powerful analytical lens to understand the interplay between European integration and various forms of capitalist governance since 1945. It combines intellectual rigor with an analysis of the major developments that have shaped the continent over the past eight decades.’ Kiran Klaus Patel, author of A Concise History of the European Union ‘This is a very timely, yet deeply historical, book about the interaction between capitalism and European integration since 1945. Timely, first, because it tackles centrally the balance between openness and protection, an issue currently front and center in the politics of liberal democracies, especially as the Liberal International Economic Order is ending and being replaced with a yet unsettled order. Second, the book focuses on the history of European integration at a time when the EU has simultaneously become a renewed beacon of hope for countries at the periphery and a poster child for what is wrong both with too much liberalism and regulation. Warlouzet’s Liberty, Solidarity, and Community is a must-read to understand the deep roots of the current debates regarding the future trajectory of European integration.’ Sophie Meunier, author of Trading Voices: The European Union in International Trade Negotiations ‘This is a highly sophisticated and very effective analysis of the European Union’s historical development. Warlouzet uses his economic expertise to identify some of the key motivations for the European integration process, but is equally at home discussing the complicated blend of political factors that have also played essential roles. Strongly recommended.’ Piers Ludlow, author of Roy Jenkins and the European Commission Presidency, 1976-1980: At the Heart of Europe

'Laurent Warlouzet offers an innovative and stimulating analysis of the forms of capitalist governance of European institutions since 1945, which he analyzes through an interesting trinity: freedom, solidarity, and community. He shows that the European Union is an ideal laboratory for understanding how compromises are negotiated between these types of capitalism. This can offer new perspectives on possible regulations for the global capitalist system.' Sandrine Kott, author of A World More Equal: An Internationalist Perspective on the Cold War 'This magnum opus sweeps across 75 years of integration history right up to current crises. Warlouzet's challenging interpretation attributes the EU's unique mix of policies to a specific balance that European capitalism strikes between liberty, equality and community.' Andrew Moravcsik, author of The Choice for Europe 'This book provides a powerful analytical lens to understand the interplay between European integration and various forms of capitalist governance since 1945. It combines intellectual rigor with an analysis of the major developments that have shaped the continent over the past eight decades.' Kiran Klaus Patel, author of A Concise History of the European Union 'This is a very timely, yet deeply historical, book about the interaction between capitalism and European integration since 1945. Timely, first, because it tackles centrally the balance between openness and protection, an issue currently front and center in the politics of liberal democracies, especially as the Liberal International Economic Order is ending and being replaced with a yet unsettled order. Second, the book focuses on the history of European integration at a time when the EU has simultaneously become a renewed beacon of hope for countries at the periphery and a poster child for what is wrong both with too much liberalism and regulation. Warlouzet's Liberty, Solidarity, and Community is a must-read to understand the deep roots of the current debates regarding the future trajectory of European integration.' Sophie Meunier, author of Trading Voices: The European Union in International Trade Negotiations 'Laurent Warlouzet brings unmatched insight into European economic and social policies since the 1950s. This impressive book illuminates the complex, often ambiguous relationship between the European Union, market competition, and state intervention. By dispelling the myth that the EU is merely a free trade zone without political or social ambition, Warlouzet not only sets the record straight but also provides an essential guide for grappling with today's political challenges.' Eric Monnet, author of Balance of Power: Central Banks and the Fate of Democracies 'This is a highly sophisticated and very effective analysis of the European Union's historical development. Warlouzet uses his economic expertise to identify some of the key motivations for the European integration process, but is equally at home discussing the complicated blend of political factors that have also played essential roles. Strongly recommended.' Piers Ludlow, author of Roy Jenkins and the European Commission Presidency, 1976–1980: At the Heart of Europe

Author Information

Laurent Warlouzet is Professor of History at the Paris Sorbonne University. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and at the European University Institute (EUI) of Florence.

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