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2021 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

1. Introduction: On the Relevance of European Solidarity

Author : Raphaela Hobbach

Published in: European Solidarity

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

This chapter introduces the subject matter of the book and provides a comprehensive overview of the book’s argument and structure. The book is introduced as the first systematic analysis of national debates on redistributive EU policies and the relevance of European solidarity therein providing important insights into (1) domestic support for redistributive EU policies, (2) the general strength of European solidarity in a society and (3) the conditions under which reference to European solidarity is pronounced. The chapter begins with a discussion of the relevant literature and describes the research gap that is filled by the book. It further presents the theoretical foundations and analytical approach of the book and elaborates on the four cases selected to analyse the relevance of European solidarity: (1) the French debate during the euro crisis, (2) the German debate during the euro crisis, (3) the French debate during the migration crisis and (4) the German debate during the migration crisis. Finally, the chapter concludes with a summary of the main findings of the book and outlines the approach to be taken in the next chapters.

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next chapter Conceptualisation and Theory

When I speak of the “relevance” of European solidarity in the public debate, I refer to its discursive manifestation, i.e. the frequency with which it is mentioned in a debate.

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Title: Introduction: On the Relevance of European Solidarity
Author: Raphaela Hobbach
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Book: European Solidarity
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-76174-5

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-76175-2

Copyright Year: 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76175-2_1