Reluctant Europeans: Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland in the Process of Integration

by Sieglinde Gstohl

Gstöhl (international relations, Humbolt U., Berlin) investigates why the three small, rich, open economies have been so shy about supranational integration. They were all founding members of the European Free Trade Association, conceived as an alternative to the precursors of the European Union, and conduct most of their trade with European neighbors. She finds an explanation by combining an analysis of economic interests in market integration with ideational interests in protecting national identity. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

269 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2002