Table Of Content‘Zielonka offers a new and refreshing vision of Europe’s
future – one that chimes perfectly with the EU’s motto
“United in Diversity.”’
Giuliano Amato, Former Prime Minister of Italy
‘The EU may be not doomed but it is in deep crisis. In
this provocative book Jan Zielonka offers an original and
controversial proposal for a radically different model of
European integration. Challenging conventional views,
he considers the prospects of a “neo-medieval” Europe
composed of networks of cities, regions and NGOs
where a “polyphony” among actors will replace the cur-
rent cacophony of the centres.’
Josep Borrell Fontelles, former President of the European
Parliament and former President of the European
University Institute
‘Jan Zielonka has written a punchy, incisive and dev-
astating account of the EU and its malaise after the
financial crisis. He combines his plea to move away from
“sanctimonious Protestant preaching” with a convinc-
ing sketch of how a more chaotic pattern of networks
between cities, provinces but also a wide range of social
and corporate institutions might produce a more dura-
ble, effective and legitimate governance. The treatment
is eloquent but also wise.’
Harold James, Claude and Lore Kelly Professor in
European Studies, Princeton University
‘A fascinating and thought-provoking book that will
change our view of the EU as neither a true state nor an
ever-changing cacophony of nations.’
Josef Joffe, Editor of Die Zeit in Hamburg and Visiting
Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
‘Jan Zielonka’s brilliant analysis of European disintegra-
tion is packed with big ideas that are elegantly expressed.
It acts as an original and iconoclastic challenge to both
the Euro-sceptic and the Euro-federalist discourses on
the crisis. This is a must-read book for anyone who cares
about the future of Europe.’
Mark Leonard, Director of the European Council on
Foreign Relations
‘Whether or not you agree with Jan Zielonka’s argu-
ments, you will find this book a stimulating read. I’m
sure it will provoke much discussion about the future
development of the European Union.’
Lord Patten of Barnes CH, Chancellor of the University
of Oxford and former European Commissioner for
External Affairs
‘A brilliant and profoundly original analysis of the
European crisis. A work of optimism, as well!’
William Pfaff, author and syndicated columnist
Is the EU Doomed?
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Jonathan Fenby, Will China Dominate the 21st Century?
Jan Zielonka
IS THE EU
DOOMED?
polity
Copyright © Jan Zielonka 2014
The right of Jan Zielonka to be identified as Author of this Work
has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988.
First published in 2014 by Polity Press
Polity Press
65 Bridge Street
Cambridge CB2 1UR, UK
Polity Press
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148, USA
All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of short passages for the
purpose of criticism and review, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7456-8396-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-7456-8397-3 (pb)
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Typeset in 11 on 15 pt Sabon by
Servis Filmsetting Ltd, Stockport, Cheshire
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc
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time of going to press. However, the publisher has no responsibility
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For further information on Polity, visit our website:
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Contents
Prologue ix
Acknowledgements xv
1 Crisis 1
2 Disintegration 21
3 Reintegration 49
4 Vision 73
5 Practising Polyphony 101
Further Reading 115
Notes 119
vii
