Aspects of European Monetary Integration : The Politics of Convergence

This book provides a thorough knowledge of the nature of the convergence criteria which states must meet in order to qualify for accession to the future Economic and Monetary Union of Europe and comprehensive coverage of both the economic and political rationale of the criteria within the framework of an international political economy approach. Thus, throughout the course of the analysis, three questions in particular are addressed: first, what is the relationship between the economics and politics of the convergence criteria; second, how do domestic and international factors impact upon their future realisation; and third what, overall, is the role of the state. This book gives valuable insights into the Economic and Monetary Union debate. Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Front Matter....Pages 1-1 European Monetary Integration: Scope and Method....Pages 3-29 European Monetary Integration: A New Initiative....Pages 30-48 The Maastricht Treaty and Beyond....Pages 49-65 Front Matter....Pages 67-72 The Convergence Criteria: Price Stability....Pages 73-105 The Convergence Criteria: Budgetary Conditions....Pages 106-137 Exchange Rates and Interest Rates: An IPE Approach....Pages 138-168 The Convergence Criteria: Exchange Rates and Interest Rates — A European Perspective....Pages 169-187 An Elysian Harmony....Pages 188-200 Back Matter....Pages 201-226