The development of the European Union has been one of the most profound advances in European politics and society this century. Yet the institutions of Europe and the 'Eurocrats' who work in them have constantly attracted negative publicity, culminating in the mass resignation of the European Commissioners in March 1999.
In this revealing study, Cris Shore scrutinises the process of European integration using the techniques of anthropology, and drawing on thought from across the social sciences. Using the findings of numerous interviews with EU employees, he reveals that there is not just a subculture of corruption within the institutions of Europe, but that their problems are largely a result of the way the EU itself is constituted and run. He argues that European integration has largely failed in bringing about anything but an ever-closer integration of the technical, political and financial elites of Europe - at the expense of its ordinary citizens.
This critical anthropology of European integration is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the culture and politics of the EU.

About the Author
Cris Shore is Head of the Anthropology Department at Goldsmith's College, University of London. He has published and lectured extensively on European integration and EU cultural politics.

Reviews

'An invaluable academic work ... For anyone interested in the hidden story behind the drive to create a new kind of state in Europe, Shore's Building Europe is an eyeopener.' - Christopher Booker, Sunday Telegraph

'Cris Shore has written a quite outstanding book...Essential reading' - Will Podmore

Book Information
ISBN 9780415180153
Author Cris Shore
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g