A Union of Diversity: Language, Identity and Polity-Building in Europe

Themes in European Governance

by Peter A. Kraus

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.

248 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Nathan]

Long and dense, only really relevant if you are studying issues in the European Union, which it so happens I am. Also I read the entirety of this in about 24 hours then wrote a paper on it.