"If the nineteenth and twentieth centuries brought a dramatic nationalization of government-backed currencies across the world, does the euro's introduction in 2002 write finis to the era of nationalism? Here, superbly informed observers of European politics, economy, and social life debate that question from multiple perspectives, not only documenting the depth of the euro's challenge, but also mapping alternative futures for Europe. An illuminating intervention in a vital conversation." —Viviana A. Zelizer, Lloyd Cotsen '50 Professor of Sociology, Princeton University
"This is one of the most interesting and original books in the burgeoning field of EU studies to have emerged in recent years. Its emphasis on the likely social and cultural—not just political and economic—impact of the euro at the national, subnational, and supranational levels is timely and refreshing. Tighly edited, this book should be essential reading for professional and amateur EU-watchers alike." —Desmond Dinan, Jean Monnet Professor of Public Policy, George Mason University
"I know of no other books on the academic market that deal with the impact of the Euro on the political, economic, and social fabric of Europe. This volume is currently one-of-a-kind." —Jeffrey Anderson, Georgetown University
The Year of the Euro examines the wide-ranging importance of Europe’s new single currency beyond its impact on financial markets and the economy itself. On January 1, 2002, when the new currency began to circulate in the twelve participating member states of the European Union, the long move toward a supranational European framework for trade and institutions finally entered the fabric of daily life for hundreds of millions of citizens. The contributing authors to this highly readable and interdisciplinary volume offer a variety of perspectives on this extraordinary episode in currency change and European convergence. The book’s essays offer the assessments of leading scholars of European affairs—from the fields of history, political science, sociology, and law—as to whether the new common currency will reshape the continent’s cultures, societies and political systems and, if so, in what ways. The discussions and debates found in these pages will inform those, within and outside academia, who are interested in the future of Europe and in the meaning of national currencies. The volume is also suitable for classroom use in courses on the European Union, cultural and economic sociology, comparative politics, and contemporary Europe.
