European Multi-Level Governance

by Kohler-Koch, Beate; Larat, Fabrice

• ISBN13: 9781847202222
• ISBN10: 1847202225
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-06-30
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Pub

Summary

'This is by far the most comprehensive account of the research undertaken on EU governance for almost two decades. This volume offers readers a unique review of the governance literature produced across Europe, and an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. It will prove indispensable to those who want to make sense of the changes under way in EU polity.' Renaud Dehousse, Centre for European Studies Sciences Po, Paris, France 'This volume is a "must read" for anyone interested in understanding the history and evolution of the concept of "governance" as applied to a multi-level European Union. Based on an impressive research project, this study will help scholars both in and outside of Europe understand why the study of EU governance as well as its perceived importance varies so widely across national boundaries. It is eye-opening.' Alberta Sbragia, European Union Center of Excellence / European Studies Center 'This ambitious stock-taking of research on EU governance provides rich insights into the different profiles of research across Europe. It identifies the variety of different national epistemic traditions and how these are evolving in response to the opportunities for scholars from across Europe to work with and to read each other.' Helen Wallace FBA, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK Governing beyond the nation state in multi-level governance systems is a key concern in Europe, and this book goes beyond the usual approach of merely describing characteristics and features in its in-depth exploration of EU governance. The contributors illustrate that multi-level governance is a phenomenon perceived differently all over Europe. They observe distinct variations not only in the real-life impact of EU governance but also in different national research approaches, and showcase systematic empirical analyses of pertinent research projects across Europe. Recent advances in EU governance research form the basis for suggestions on how future research agendas could and should be directed. This book will prove a fascinating read for academics, researchers and students with an interest in comparative governance, EU studies, and the social sciences.