The Euro Crisis and European Identities

Political and Media Discourse in Germany, Ireland and Poland

verfasst von: Charlotte Galpin

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : New Perspectives in German Political Studies

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book builds upon our knowledge of the far-reaching economic, political and social effects of the Euro crisis on the European Union by providing a unique study of European identities. In particular, it considers the impact on the construction of European identities in political and media discourse in Germany, Ireland and Poland—three countries with profoundly different experiences of the crisis and never before compared in a single study. Offering an original insight into the dynamics of identity change at moments of upheaval, the author argues that political and media actors in the early stages of the crisis drew on long-standing identities in order to make sense of the crisis in the public sphere. European identity discourses are thus resilient to change but become central to legitimising and contesting bailouts and further economic integration. As such, the author challenges the commonly held view that identities change dramatically at times of crisis but argues that this very resilience helps to understand the EU’s current divisions. The study of identity during the Euro crisis sheds important light on the prospects for European solidarity as well as on the future of the single currency as an identity-building project. The book will be of particular interest to students and scholars in the fields of EU politics, comparative European politics, and identity politics.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

The introductory chapter outlines the rationale, central aims and argument of the book. First, it briefly outlines the challenges the single currency has faced since the onset of the Euro crisis in 2010—often described as ‘an existential crisis’ for the EU and a crisis of European solidarity. Second, it briefly outlines the theoretical framework, methods and argument and the book’s contribution. Third, it discusses the importance of identity for the EU, in particular, the Euro as an identity-building project, as well as the role of identity for the EU’s democratic legitimacy. Finally, this chapter introduces the structure of the book.

Charlotte Galpin

2. European Identities at Times of Crisis

Abstract

Combining a social constructivist approach to identify with discursive institutionalist understandings of the ideational change, this book considers European identities to be ‘multiple’ and coming in ‘national colours’ but argues that the conceptualisations of change at ‘critical junctures’ are insufficient for understanding the change and continuity at a time of crisis. Instead, the chapter calls for a focus on ‘communicative discourse’ in the public sphere to take account of the role of actors in the construction of crisis and the public contestation between political elites and the media. The chapter then outlines the way in which identities are likely to be reproduced in public debates through the meaning given to Europe and the construction of the ‘Other’, positing that dramatic change at a time of crisis is highly unlikely.

Charlotte Galpin

3. Comparing European Identities in Germany, Ireland and Poland

Abstract

This chapter sets the stage for a study which offers rich empirical data on the early stages of the Euro crisis. It reviews the existing literature on the different and competing facets of elite and media discourses on European identity in Germany, Poland, and Ireland before the crisis and explains and justifies the choice of case studies. It also outlines the materials chosen for analysis–political speeches and press releases and broadsheet and tabloid newspaper articles, the time periods chosen–the first Greek bailout, Ireland’s bailout and the agreement of the Fiscal Compact–alongside the qualitative method of frame analysis.

Charlotte Galpin

4. Has Germany Fallen Out of Love with Europe?

Abstract

This chapter argues that, contrary to expectations raised by the ‘normalisation’ debate, the crisis in Germany reflects both its post-war European identity and the incorporation of ordoliberal values into understandings of Europe. While both German elites and media actors present the Euro crisis as a broad European crisis threatening the very project of European integration, the crisis has also seen the development of a particularly German flavour of European solidarity and the ‘good European’ based on an ‘ordoliberal ethic’ of economic discipline and individual responsibility. Hostility to Greece in the conservative and populist press can be understood in this light–rather than signalling a strengthening of German national identity, this instead represents the development of a new Northern European identity from which Greece and other southern Europeans are excluded.

Charlotte Galpin

5. Irish Identity and the Utility of Europe

Abstract

Ireland had a rather different experience of the crisis–one as a ‘debtor’ nation and the recipient of an EU bailout. This chapter finds that crisis is primarily constructed as an Irish crisis, touching on fundamental questions about Irish identity. Where the crisis is understood as a wider European crisis, it reflects the original motivations for Irish membership of the EU. In Germany, crisis policies are debated in terms of European solidarity, whereas in Ireland, they are primarily debated in terms of the economy and the extent to which they serve Irish national sovereignty. In the populist press, this often results in anti-German sentiment and a strong perception that the smaller peripheral countries are being dominated by the larger core ones.

Charlotte Galpin

6. The Battle for the European Core: Polishness as Europeanness?

Abstract

This chapter argues that the crisis debates in Poland primarily strengthen the existing polarisation between those who view European and Polish identity as two sides of the same coin, namely Civic Platform and the pro-European press, and those who passionately defend Polish identity and sovereignty from Poland’s historical enemies in Europe, Russia and Germany–notably Law and Justice. Debates about the crisis reflect a struggle over the meaning of sovereignty, which then constrains the discourse of pro-European actors who reinforce the fears about Polish sovereignty and independence.

Charlotte Galpin

7. Identity Continuity: Actors, Institutions and Interests

Abstract

This chapter argues that the various constructions of the crisis reflect existing European and national identities because of the legitimation strategies of different national actors. Contradicting the notion that identities change dramatically during ‘critical junctures’, it argues that the Euro crisis has resulted in limited changes to European identity discourses because political and media actors draw on existing identities and ideas in order to make sense of the crisis. It then outlines the variety of domestic constraints that limit the possibility of change, including national historical narratives, economic ideas and interests and the pressures of party politics. Finally, it comments on the role of identities in the broader resilience of ideas about the economy as well as the continued survival of the single currency.

Charlotte Galpin

8. Euroscepticism, Identity and Democracy in the EU

Abstract

Chapter 8 concludes the book by reflecting on the wider implications of the findings with regards to EU politics and the increasing support for Eurosceptic and far-right parties. In particular, it considers the role of the Euro crisis in leading to ‘Brexit’–the UK’s recent referendum decision to leave the EU–in light of the book’s findings as well as the implications of the ongoing refugee crisis for European identity and rise of right-wing populist parties such as the Alternative für Deutschland. Finally, it makes some broader conclusions about the effect of the crisis on the EU’s democratic legitimacy.

Charlotte Galpin

Backmatter

Titel: The Euro Crisis and European Identities
verfasst von: Charlotte Galpin
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-51611-0
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-51610-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51611-0