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Circle of Stars: A History of the EU and the People Who Made It
A compelling new history of the EU and the people who sought to shape and challenge it—from Maastricht to today
The European Union is the most ambitious, and one of the most contentious, international organizations ever created. Decisions made in Brussels shape the lives of over 500 million Europeans, and its laws and policies resonate around the world. But how has the EU endured over three turbulent decades marred by crises at home and abroad?
In this major account, Dermot Hodson traces the development of the EU from its establishment in 1993 through to Brexit, Covid-19, and the invasion of Ukraine. Hodson shows how the union has been held together not by faceless technocrats but national leaders who stood together in times of turmoil despite a fierce backlash from a new generation of right-wing populists. Circle of Stars offers a rich appraisal of Europe’s troubled past and turbulent present—focusing on the people who built the EU as we know it today.
The European Union is the most ambitious, and one of the most contentious, international organizations ever created. Decisions made in Brussels shape the lives of over 500 million Europeans, and its laws and policies resonate around the world. But how has the EU endured over three turbulent decades marred by crises at home and abroad?
In this major account, Dermot Hodson traces the development of the EU from its establishment in 1993 through to Brexit, Covid-19, and the invasion of Ukraine. Hodson shows how the union has been held together not by faceless technocrats but national leaders who stood together in times of turmoil despite a fierce backlash from a new generation of right-wing populists. Circle of Stars offers a rich appraisal of Europe’s troubled past and turbulent present—focusing on the people who built the EU as we know it today.
456 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 23, 2026
This book has some of the same flaws as its subject. It tries to do too much, it's unfocused, it's indigestible and it fails to maintain interest. It addresses vitally important subjects but does so in a profoundly unengaging way. And so on.
It might be somewhat useful for people cramming for job applications in the institutions, though given its enormous scope in terms of time, space, policy areas and so on, it won't give a thorough briefing on any one topic. It's the kind of book you are thrilled to be finished with.
It might be somewhat useful for people cramming for job applications in the institutions, though given its enormous scope in terms of time, space, policy areas and so on, it won't give a thorough briefing on any one topic. It's the kind of book you are thrilled to be finished with.
July 3, 2025
The history of the European Union from the early days up to modern era. Told in an engaging way with all the characters, challenges and achievements set out.
October 3, 2025
Sick of everything. At least they didn’t give rhetorical floursisha that the European Union is made by the same sagacity that made the U.S. constitution. Not that the U.S. currently has the nature or acumen of James Madison and Hamilton…
Yeah the European Union is. Good thing, I guess.
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit and I would say it’s an excellent writing style. I wish I could find more books like it.
Yeah the European Union is. Good thing, I guess.
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit and I would say it’s an excellent writing style. I wish I could find more books like it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews