'This book offers a lively and often erudite examination of Europe's role in the world. Maurice Keens-Soper discusses the EU of today, with its emphasis on integration and the challenges of globalization, against a wider historical context.' - Peter Sutherland, Chairman, Goldman Sachs International; formerly Chairman of GATT and former European Commissioner 'The distinctive and admirable feature ... Read moreof Maurice Keens-Soper's book is that it confronts unequivocally the fundamental issue at the heart of European integration. This issue is, as he demonstrates, political through and through. It relates to the present and future place of the EU, as a political body, within the wider context of world power politics. Dr Keens-Soper brings his knowledge of political philosophy and diplomatic history to bear cogently on this question, and strips away a host of comforting generalisations with which it is too often veiled and avoided, before establishing some home truths. Written in a pungent style, rich in imagery and humour, his work is accessible both to the academic and to the wider public.' - Murray Forsyth, West European Politics '..a mixture of philosophical principle and historical assertion, written with style and wit, without any heavy critical apparatus or bibliography. The whole work is individualistic, eccentric and oddly balanced.' - J.M. Lee, European Foreign Affairs 'His book is a brilliant, learned, and entertaining plea for a more effective Europe, wisely warning that economic globalization cannot be left to itself. This is a thoughtful and vigorous work.' - Foreign Affairs Show Less