Expanding European Unity

Since the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 the former Communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been pushing for a quick 'return to Europe'. The project of 'expanding European unity' is in full progress, however, so far none of the former Soviet bloc countries have been able to join the European Union. Technical problems, related to financial management and administrative matters, still have to be overcome, but more fundamental issues are also at stake: what are the borders of Central and Eastern Europe? And will the eastward expansion of the European Union be conducted on the basis of western images and stereotypes of `the East'? This volume examines the state of affairs after ten years of attempts to further enlarge the Union. Written by authors from 'the East' as well as 'the West' some of the articles focus on the general issue of how to distinguish between Western, Central and Eastern Europe, while others discuss the specific situation of the countries that are closest to joining the European Union: Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Since the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 the former Communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been pushing for a quick 'return to Europe'. The project of 'expanding European unity' is in full progress, however, so far none of the former Soviet bloc countries have been able to join the European Union. Technical problems, related to financial management and administrative matters, still have to be overcome, but more fundamental issues are also at stake: what are the borders of Central and Eastern Europe? And will the eastward expansion of the European Union be conducted on the basis of western images and stereotypes of `the East'? This volume examines the state of affairs after ten years of attempts to further enlarge the Union. Written by authors from 'the East' as well as 'the West' some of the articles focus on the general issue of how to distinguish between Western, Central and Eastern Europe, while others discuss the specific situation of the countries that are closest to joining the European Union: Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

The European Union is on the brink of fundamental change. Just as the EU is about to enlarge radically, the Convention on the Future of Europe may transform it into a political entity governed by a constitution. This timely volume brings together a world-class group of scholars and practitioners to examine the fundamentals of integration in an expanding EU. A timely examination of fundamental questions about the future of Europe. Written by a top-class group of contributors. Combines contributions from theorists and practitioners. Spans all the principal disciplines with an interest in the EU.

The book addresses contemporary developments in European identity politics as part of a larger historical trajectory of a common European identity based on the idea of 'solidarity.' The authors explain the special sense in which Europeans perceive their obligations to their less fortunate compatriots, to the new East European members, and to the world at large. An understanding of this notion of 'solidarity' is critical to understanding the specific European commitment to social justice and equality. The specificity of this term helps to distinguish between what the Germans call "social state" from the Anglo-Saxon, and particularly American, political and social system focused on capitalism and economic liberalism. This collection is the result of the work of an extremely distinguished group of scholars and politicians, invited by the previous President of the European Union, Romano Prodi, to reflect on some of the most important subjects affecting the future of Europe.

European unity is a dream that has appealed to the imagination since the Middle Ages. Its motives have varied from a longing for peace to a deep-rooted abhorrence of diversity, as well as a yearning to maintain Europe's colonial dominance. This book offers a multifaceted history that takes in account the European imagination in a global context.

Excerpt from The Making of Europe: An Introduction to the History of European Unity The art of the catacombs is the first outward manifestation of Christian culture, and shows in a remarkable Way how the external forms of the old roman-hellenistic culture were assimilated and modified by the new Spiritual forces. Early Christian art took over the traditional commonplaces of the Hellenistic house - decorator, and infused them with a pro found Spiritual meaning. The subjects are mere generalised types or symbolsf - a fish, a clove, or a figure borrowed from heathen mythology - the value of which consists entirely in their hieratic and mystical significance to the initiated. Of these figures the most popular is that of a woman in an attitude of prayer - the orans-a figure that symbolised at once the soul of the deceased, the freed and enlightened Spirit of man, and also the Virgin Church, the Bride of the Spirit. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

When most people use the expression "The Dark Ages" they are often unclear as to what they mean. For some the period described is unbelievably long -- from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance. This is not only incorrect historically; it is dangerously misleading. As the author indicates, the "Dark Ages" from the sixth to the tenth centuries were critical in the formation of European unity and the expansion and definition of Western Christianity. As such, the "Dark Ages" were only relatively dark; for it was during this period that the full impact of Byzantine Christianity, the rise and formation of Moslem culture, the conversion of the barbarians, the Carolingian renaissance, and similar epochs was felt. It was in this period that medieval Europe and Catholic Christianity received their fundamental definition.

In "The Expansion of Europe; The Culmination of Modern History" by Ramsay Muir, the author delves into the historical transformations and global influence of European expansion in the modern era. Muir's literary style is meticulous and insightful, offering a comprehensive overview of the political, economic, and cultural impact of Europe's expansion. Written in a scholarly tone, the book provides readers with a deep understanding of how European powers shaped the course of world history through colonialism and imperialism. Muir's thorough research and compelling narrative make this book a valuable resource for students and scholars of European history. Ramsay Muir, a noted historian and political scientist, draws on his expertise in European affairs to analyze the complex processes behind the expansion of Europe. His nuanced perspective and attention to detail highlight the interconnectedness of nations and the enduring implications of European expansion. Muir's profound insight into the subject matter adds depth to the historical discourse, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of modern global dynamics. I highly recommend "The Expansion of Europe; The Culmination of Modern History" to readers seeking a comprehensive examination of European expansion and its far-reaching consequences. Muir's thorough analysis and engaging narrative offer a compelling exploration of a pivotal period in world history, shedding light on the complexities and legacies of European imperialism.

With political controversies raging over issues such as the wearing of headscarves in schools and the mention of Christianity in the European Constitution, religious issues are of growing importance in European politics. In this volume, Byrnes and Katzenstein analyze the effect that enlargement to countries with different and stronger religious traditions may have on the EU as a whole, and in particular on its homogeneity and assumed secular nature. Looking through the lens of the transnational religious communities of Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Islam, they argue that religious factors are stumbling blocks rather than stepping stones toward the further integration of Europe. All three religious traditions are advancing notions of European identity and European union that differ substantially from how the European integration process is generally understood by political leaders and scholars. This volume makes an important addition to the fields of European politics, political sociology, and the sociology of religion.