by Max Haller - Paperback, Routledge 2011
Max Haller's impressive book presents an analysis
of the process of European integration which keeps the relation between elites
and citizens at the forefront. It is shown on the basis of new empirical data
(surveys, interviews, analyses of documents and biographies) that European
integration has been led since the beginning by the elites and that today there
exists a considerable split between elites and citizens; this split is becoming
more profound in the course of time. The book covers the following themes: - the
structure, interests and behaviour of the different elites (political, economic,
bureaucratic) - the expectations and perceptions of the populations concerning
the integration process and the elites - the strategies of the elites to win the
consent of the people, in view of widespread scepticism - proposals for reform
of the EU, especially with regard to a strengthening of democratic elements
which could reduce the split between elites and citizens. A timely and original
read, this book will be a useful addition to the library of any political
sociologist, political scientist or scholar of European integration. 
