Ricardo Martín de la Guardia – författare

This book focuses on the impact of political leaders on the integration process led by the European Union. It aims at a better understanding of the European Union through the actions, contributions, and ideas of these outstanding characters to European integration and disintegration. By doing so, the book offers an entirely new perspective, presenting the actions of the main actors involved, their background, their historical time, their challenges and problems, and how they influenced the European Union''s development.

The authors in detail discuss different ideas connected to leaders, such as Jean Monnet and neo-functionalism, Spinelli and federalism or Churchill and the idea of cooperation. Furthermore, the book examines major policies and events, like the Common Agricultural Policy, the creation of the Euro as a consequence of the German reunification and Mitterrand’s reactions, or Brexit and its connection to the impact of Margaret Thatcher. 

The global essence of the book makes it a must-read for students, researchers, and scholars interested in a better understanding of the European Union''s integration process.

This pioneering volume examines Europeanism in the new international society that emerged after the First World War through the League of Nations, with a focus on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the Baltic countries, and the Balkans. The book analyzes how Europeanism was consolidated as an argument for the future, especially after the Second World War, when the three strong ideas of Europeanism came to fruition: peace among Europeans, good democratic government, and the socioeconomic welfare of peoples. By doing so, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Europeanism and its positive influence in the countries of Eastern Europe, from the interwar period to the present day.

The book will appeal to researchers, students, and scholars of political science, international relations, European studies, and history, as well as policy-makers interested in a better understanding of Europeanism and the European integration process of the CEE, Baltic, and Balkan countries.