Convergence, Cohesion and Integration in the European Union

Leonardi (European Union politics and policy, London School of Economics) presents two main insights into the fundamental theoretical and empirical issues underlying the process of European integration. One is that economic convergence since World War II has reduced the disparities between regions, which has in turn accelerated the move toward integration. The other is that before 1985 it was primarily the national governments pushing for integration, but since the Single European Act and preparations for the single market, grass-roots pressure and market forces have been the driving wheel. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.