The Presidency of the European Commission Under Jacques Delors - (St Antony's) by K Endo (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This work is the first systematic study of the presidency of the European Commission. Drawing upon cases of attempted leadership by Jacques Delors, the Commission President from 1985-95, it examines the leadership capacity of the office-holder. This points to the inherently shared and contingent nature of Commission President's leadership in a Union where the leadership sources are widely dispersed. While this is essentially an empirical study, Endo addresses some of the theoretical implications of its findings and resulting issues.

Review Quotes

'This richly researched volume offers many insights into the succession of Commission presidencies and the internal politics of the European Commission. Its detailed account of Jacques Delors' period in the presidency rests on a stimulating blend of critical empathy and careful analysis. The study is a welcome contribution to our understanding of the scope for and limits to political leadership in the European Union.' - Helen Wallace, European Institute, University of Sussex

'A timely and valuable reminder of how Jacques Delors played a vital role in the reconstruction of Europe at the end of the Cold War. His insights on the workings of European institutions and the qualities of leadership are clear and impressive.' - Lionel Barber, Financial Times

About the Author

KEN ENDO is Lecturer in International Relations in the Faculty of Law, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. He has been a JSPS (Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science) Research Fellow (1992-96) and an Advisory Expert to the 'Cellule de Prospective', European Commission (1993). He completed his D.Phil at St Antony's College, University of Oxford, in 1996.