A Union of Diversity: Language, Identity and Polity-Building in Europe (Themes in European Governance)

Kraus, Peter A.

ISBN 10: 052167672X / ISBN 13: 9780521676724

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2008

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Union of Diversity: Language, Identity and Polity-Building in Europe (Themes in European Governance)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052167672X
• ISBN 13: 9780521676724
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

The European Union's motto 'United in Diversity' contrasts with the cultural standardization entailed in the formation of nation-states and the forging of political identities in Europe. So what does being 'united in diversity' mean? Focusing on language politics and policies, this book offers a thorough assessment of the implications of cultural and linguistic diversity for the process of constructing a European polity. It sheds light on some of the most pressing problems associated with contemporary identity politics. It is often claimed that the recurrent celebration of diversity in Europe's programmatic declarations has an effective political impact. Kraus offers a critical analysis of how the EU has responded to the normative challenge of creating an institutional frame for integration which allows cultural differences to be transcended without ignoring them.

About the Author

Peter A. Kraus is Chair of Ethnic Relations at the University of Helsinki and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Humboldt University, Berlin.