Overview

This book offers a compelling exploration of Margaret Thatcher's approach to European integration during the years of her premiership, providing a nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating and influential political figures of recent decades. Drawing on extensive archival research and featuring excerpts from speeches, private papers, statements, and interviews, this study reevaluates Thatcher’s European legacy by revealing the complex evolution of her European policy during the 11 years of her premiership (1979-1990). Challenging conventional narratives, Zanetti deconstructs the image of Thatcher as the master of British Euroscepticism and precursor to Brexit, arguing instead that she was an asset to European integration – although in her own terms. Her approach was fundamentally guided by her primary role as British Prime Minister, adapting both rhetoric and action to secure national interests while engaging pragmatically with the European Community. Throughout her premiership, Thatcher consistently chose to fight difficult and unpopular battles on the European stage, positioning herself as a passionate and constructive critic whose vision for Europe’s future was often divergent from that of other European leaders. This work will appeal to students and scholars of European integration, British political history, and international relations, as well as anyone seeking to more accurately understand the complex relationship between Thatcherism and Brexit.

Full Product Details

Author:   Alessandra Zanetti
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.840kg
ISBN:  

9781041009191

ISBN 10:   1041009194
Pages:   354
Publication Date:   23 November 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

List of Figures List of Tables Timeline Introduction 1. Thatcher on Europe 1.1. Britain and the EC before Thatcher 1.2. Becoming Thatcher 1.3. Thatcher Rules 2. Thatcher in Europe 2.1. The British budget rebate – “Our own money back” 2.2. The Solemn Declaration on European Union: a mislead step? 2.3. Fontainebleau 3. Thatcher for Europe 3.1. Europe – The future 3.2. Nineteen eighty-five 3.2.1. Delors Commission, I 3.2.2. Reports, White Papers, et cetera 3.2.3. The Milan European Council and the IGC – To get caught in 3.3. The Single European Act 4. Thatcher against Europe? 4.1. The UK Presidency of the European Council 4.2. A renovated impetus 4.3. 1988: Epiphanies on Europe 4.3.1. The Bruges Speech 5. Thatcher and Europe 5.1. Towards Madrid 5.2. The reunification of Germany 5.3. European Unions 5.4. Not another happy ending Conclusion: Rethinking Thatcher and Europe Bibliography Index

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Author Information

Alessandra Zanetti received her Ph.D. in History from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona and Alma Mater Studiorum – the University of Bologna in 2024. She is affiliated with the Barcelona Center for European Studies (BACES) at Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Her main line of research focuses on an alternative interpretation of the role of Margaret Thatcher in European integration.

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