European Constitutionalism beyond the State

Cambridge University Press, 9/4/2003
EAN 9780521792257, ISBN10: 0521792258

Hardcover, 256 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English

The notion of a European constitution has previously received unfavourable reactions within the European Union with controversy surrounding its political and legal implications. Criticism has largely revolved around the threat of an emerging European federal state. More recently, however, constitution-building has become a major point of debate among members of the European Community as the drafting of a European constitution becomes more imminent. European Constitutionalism Beyond the State brings together some of the most innovative scholars in the field to highlight different facets of the new constitutional discussion. Provoking deep analysis of the different ideas of constitution and constitutionalism, the book delineates alternative ways of thinking about the future of Europe. In particular, it aims to challenge the idea of the European Union as an evolving federal polity. This book will appeal to anyone interested in the timely subject of constitutionalism including students and practitioners of law, politics and philosophy.

Notes on contributors
Introduction
European constitutionalism beyond the state J. H H. Weiler and Marlene Wind
Part I
1. In defence of the status quo
Europe's constitutional Sonderweg J. H. H. Weiler
Part II
2. Postnational constitutionalism and the problem of translation Neil Walker
3. The unfinished constitution of the European Union
principles, processes and culture Francis Snyder
4. Europe and the constitution
what if this is as good as it gets? Miguel Poiares Maduro
5. The European Union as a polycentric polity
returning to a neo-medieval Europe? Marlene Wind
Part III
6. Beyond representative democracy
constitutionalism in a polycentric polity Renaud Dehousse
7. Finality vs. enlargement
constitutive practices and opposing rationales in the reconstruction of Europe Antje Wiener
8. Epilogue
Europe and the dream of reason Philip Allott
Index.