Routledge - Reluctant Europeans: Britain and European Integration

Explore the complex history of British politics and its relationship with Europe in Reluctant Europeans: Britain and European Integration 1945-1998. This study examines why European integration became such a controversial topic in the United Kingdom and how it shaped the nation's political landscape over five decades. This book provides a clear chronological account of the events that defined Britain's approach to the continent. By using recently available source material, the text investigates why British policymakers chose a cautious path and what factors led them to embrace a European destiny. The coverage is comprehensive, tracing developments from 1945 through to the launch of the Euro and the first year of Tony Blair's administration. For students, researchers, and readers interested in political history, this Routledge publication offers deep insights into the motivations and decisions of policymakers during a transformative era. It serves as a detailed resource for understanding the tension between British sovereignty and European unity.