Western European unification is one of the great political and economic achievements of the 20th century. Embracing complex components and influences, both internal and external, this book shows how Europe has been built, year by year, institution by institution, in defiance of history and cultural diversity. Union is seen not so much as a fixed objective but as a dynamic process, shaped and buffeted by the dreams and fears of federalists and nationalists, by superpower confrontation and by regional conflict. This comprehensive study examines new institutions; social, economic, cultural and security issues; and the consequences of integration for Eastern Europe and the United States. While jealously conserving its independent national cultures, Europe arises today as a new superpower with an original type of government. The Road to Europe presents these interwoven issues with historic precision in a style that is accessible to students and the general reader. The volume includes a detailed datelist and informative maps and charts.

The Author: David W.P. Lewis teaches French and European studies at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He studied French and German at The Queen's College, Oxford; pursued post-graduate study in international relations at the College of Europe, Bruges; and completed with honors a doctorate on Verlaine at the Sorbonne. Dr. Lewis joined the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in 1958, directing inter-governmental programs in education and environmental conservation. He is the author of French for Business and International Careers (Lang, 1988) and numerous articles on French literature and international affairs.