Book Review: Ronald Holzacker and Erik Albæk (eds) (2007) Democratic Governance and European Integration: Linking Societal and State Processes of Democracy. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, ISBN-13 978—1—84542—448—0 (hbk), £65.00
| Published date | 01 October 2008 |
| DOI | 10.1177/09520767080230040505 |
| Date | 01 October 2008 |
| Author | Alistair Jones |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
they were written, the reader has to read words very carefully to ascertain their
meaning and some of the prose is awkwardly expressed. The examples appear
rather parochial: minor and rather dated policies from France and Switzerland,
though there is good reference to those in the UK too. The book only comes alive
at the end when they set out their approach with more conviction. Had they set out
to write a more strongly-worded critique of Anglo-American approaches to public
policy rather than the cautious approach they adopt here, they would have written
much more engagingly. Students will probably not like this book, but academics
seeking a broader approach to the study of public policy will appreciate it.
peter john, University of Manchester, UK
Ronald Holzacker and Erik Albæk (eds) (2007)
Democratic Governance and European Integration: Linking
Societal and State Processes of Democracy
Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, ISBN-13 978–1–84542–448–0 (hbk), £65.00.
This is a text that I would thoroughly recommend to both academics and students
of European Union politics. While there may be a few small caveats, overall it is a
most enjoyable book.
The title may seem a little misleading. The book is certainly about democratic
governance, and European integration is definitely included. Much of the book,
however, examines the impact of the EU upon democratic governance.
Undoubtedly this is part of the integration process, and the two perspectives
impact upon each other. The problem is that part two of the book, in particular, is
far more an examination of how different countries have reacted to greater EU
involvement in the running of what had been national affairs. While this may be
seen as part of the integration process, the way in which each chapter is presented
suggests that this is done in a more indirect manner. It is almost supplementary to
each chapter.
The introductory chapter (written by the editors) highlights the underpinning
themes...
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