The Choice for Europe: Social Purpose and State Power from Messina to Maastricht (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

The Choice for Europe is a testament to Moravcsik's abilities...While engaging with some of the specifics of European integration, Moravcsik's discussion presents a solid contribution to International Relations theory. The Choice for Europe is a major addition to the canon of European integration theory. ― Ben Mueller ― Canadian Journal of Political Science

The creation of the European Community ranks among the most extraordinary achievements in modern world politics. Observers disagree, however, about the reasons why European governments have chosen to coordinate core economic policies and surrender sovereign prerogatives. 

In this eagerly awaited book, Andrew Moravcsik analyzes the history of the region's movement toward economic and political union. Do these unifying steps demonstrate the preeminence of national security concerns, the power of federalist ideals, the skill of political entrepreneurs like Jean Monnet and Jacques Delors, or the triumph of technocratic planning? Moravcsik rejects such views. Economic interdependence has been, he maintains in his provocative argument, the primary force compelling these democracies to move in this surprising direction. Politicians rationally pursued national economic advantage through the exploitation of asymmetrical interdependence and the manipulation of institutional commitments.

Focusing on Germany, France, and Britain, Moravcsik examines the five decisive agreements that propelled integration forward. He seeks to reintegrate the historical study of European unity with theoretical inquiry into the sources of international cooperation.

Andrew Moravcsik is Professor of Politics and Director of the European Union Program at Princeton University. He is the author most recently of Europe without Illusions.