"Empire" by integration : the United States and European integration, 1945-1997

"Empire" by Integration is the first comprehensive survey of the American policy towards European integration from 1945 to the present day. Geir Lundestad argues that, unlike other Great Powers, the United States strongly supported the integration of the most important area under its influence: Western Europe. This integration was, however, to take place within an American-dominated Atlantic framework. In the provocative words of the author this was a policy of "empire" by integration. Professor Lundestad takes a clear, chronological approach to the subject, from the beginnings of European integration after the Second World War, the challenge to American policy on European integration by President Charles de Gaulle, and the modified support for European integration in the Nixon-Kissinger years through to the present revived support for European integration under the Clinton administration. "Empire" by Integration provides a succinct, provocative, and highly readable account of this crucial aspect of American-Western European relations. It will be an ideal textbook for use on courses including International Relations, US Modern History, and European Integration.