National Interests and European Integration: Discourse and Politics of Blair, Chirac and Schröder (International Relations and Development Series)

This study combines an account of Blair, Chirac, Schröder and their attitudes towards European integration. It analyzes political discourses on 'national interests' and the EU, the frequently debated role of political discourse, the concept of national interest, and offers an alternative point of view on intergovernmental interaction. This study combines an account of Blair, Chirac, Schroder and their attitudes towards European integration. It analyzes political discourses on 'national interests' and the EU, the frequently debated role of political discourse, the concept of national interest, and offers an alternative point of view on intergovernmental interaction. During the 1990s, observers began to point to a resurgence of 'national interests' in the public statements of European political leaders. This led to speculation about a possible shift in attitudes towards the European project and the mechanisms underlying the European Union (EU). Analysing statements by Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac and Gerhard Schroder, Milzow brings political discourse, specifically on national interest, together with events and policy priorities. As an integral part of negotiation and legitimisation strategies, political discourse informs the groundbreaking reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the road to the first Eastern enlargement of the European Union in 2004. With war in Kosovo and disagreements over Iraq, it also sheds light on the development of the European Security and Defence Policy, as well as the underlying dynamics of European integration Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction....Pages 1-25 The Common Agricultural Policy: A European Agricultural Model Between Sectoral and ‘National’ Interests?....Pages 26-72 The Eastern Enlargement: Ideals, Interests and Integration....Pages 73-124 The European Security and Defence Policy from ‘National’ to ‘European’ Interests?....Pages 125-166 Conclusion: Discourse and Politics of ‘National Interest’ in a Changing European Union....Pages 167-176 Back Matter....Pages 177-236 This study combines an account of Blair, Chirac, Schroeder and their attitudes towards European integration. It analyzes political discourses on 'national interests' and the EU, the frequently debated role of political discourse, the concept of national interest, and offers an alternative point of view on intergovernmental interaction.