Memory and the future of Europe: Rupture and integration in the wake of total war (Manchester University Press)

For much of the postwar period the symbolic rupture of 1945 served as the driver of what is undoubtedly ‘the most significant political innovation’ of the twentieth century. By challenging the assumption that nation-states are the most fundamental and important political actors in international politics, the development of the ‘Euro-polity’ has significant implications for existing theories of the state, sovereignty, social welfare, democracy, and citizenship, all of which are plagued by an inherent ‘methodological nationalism.’ Building on collective memories of a nightmarish past to create a better future, the EU has served as ‘the theoretical proving-ground of contemporary liberalism. "Memory and the future of Europe examines the role of collective memory in the origins and development of the European Union. It traces Europe's political, economic and financial crisis to the loss of the remembrance of the rupture of 1945. As the generations with personal memories of the two world wars pass away, economic welfare has become the EU's sole raison d'être. If it is to survive its future challenges, the EU will have to create a new historical imaginary that relies not only on the lessons of the past but also builds on Europe's ability to protect its citizens against the power of global market forces. Framing its argument through the critical theory of the Frankfurt School, this volume will attract readers interested in political and social philosophy, collective memory studies, European studies, international relations and contemporary politics."-- Publisher description Memory and the future of Europe examines the role of collective memory in the origins and development of the European Union. It traces Europe’s political, economic and financial crisis to the loss of the remembrance of the rupture of 1945. As the generations with personal memories of the two world wars pass away, economic welfare has become the EU’s sole raison d’être. If it is to survive its future challenges, the EU will have to create a new historical imaginary that relies not only on the lessons of the past but also builds on Europe’s ability to protect its citizens against the power of global market forces. Framing its argument through the critical theory of the Frankfurt School, this volume will attract readers interested in political and social philosophy, collective memory studies, European studies, international relations and contemporary politics. Front matter Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Collective memory as a resource for political change Part I: Origins and crisis diagnosis Choosing integration based on the community model: memory, leadership, and the first phase of integration (1945–58) Counter-memory and generational change: Eurosclerosis (1959–84) and the second phase of integration (1985–2003) The fragmentation and loss of European memory: the Eurozone crisis, Brexit, and possible disintegration Part II: Memory and the future of Europe Changing generations, negative memory, and non-economic resources The future of Europe from a comparative perspective Concluding remarks: a plea for politics at the European level Select bibliography Index This book examines the role of collective memory in the origins and development of the European Union. It traces Europe’s political, economic and financial crisis to the loss of these memories of the rupture of 1945. In order to survive the EU will have to prove that it can act effectively in the face of future challenges. -- .