Mathieu SEGERS, The Origins of European Integration: The Pre-History of Today’s European Union, 1937-1951

Looking at the history of European integration, it is well known that the post-World War II period was crucial. Although the foundations of the idea of “unity” in Europe have a much longer history, this idea took on a more concrete form in the post-war period. In this sense, the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, can be considered a turning point. Apart from this step, we should of course not ignore the contribution of David Mitrany and other theoretical studies, especially those focusing on functionalism. While there is dense and comprehensive literature on the history of European integration within this framework, Mathieu Segers’ 2024 work, entitled The Origins of European Integration: The Pre-History of Today’s European Union, 1937-1951, analyzes the process from a different perspective. Focusing on the years 1937-1951, the book is almost like an archeological study. What makes it original in this sense is that it draws attention to the “American influence” in European integration, or “Americanisation” in his own words. Apart from the “Introduction” and “Conclusion”, Segers divides his work into two parts and six episodes.