Turkey and the European Union - by P Levin (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book critically examines the origins of today's anti-Islamic rhetoric in Europe with a specific focus on representations of Turkey. Applying a novel theoretical framework that understands collective identities as dramaturgical achievements, it shows that stereotypes of Turks continue to provide an important "Other" against which a supposed European "Self" is contrasted. The book identifies two competing meta-narratives that have long vied for the right to define Christendom and later Europe, and argues that the struggle over these narratives - one tragic, the other comic - have come to a head in Turkey's current bid for EU membership"--

Book Synopsis

This book carefully examines the historical roots of contemporary Western prejudices against both Muslims and Turks, and presents an original theory of collective identity as dramatic re-enactment as a means of understanding the remarkable persistence of medieval stereotypes.

Review Quotes

"What do you get when a superb scholar adopts a constructivist view of history, develops a sophisticated conception ofcollectivity identity, andtakes on Europe's long-running encounter with Islam?A book I actually wanted to read from beginning to end." - Nicholas Onuf, Professor Emeritus, Florida International University, and Professor Associado, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro

"This fascinating volume exposes the long and troubled history of Christian, and later European, images of Muslims. Taking a narrative approach, Paul T. Levin explores the historical, social-psychological and conceptual bases for Europe's uneasy relations with Turkey and how these historical legacies play into Turkey's potential EU accession. This excellent book grasps wholeheartedly the changing nature of Europe's relations with Turkey and presents a more holistic view than most other books of this kind. A true joy to read!" - Catarina Kinnvall, Professor of Political Science, Lund University and co-author of The Political Psychology of Globalization: Muslims in the West

"Finally a book-length study of how Europe has seen Turkey and its predecessors. Throws a lot of not always flattering light on Europeans, and adds to our understanding of today's quandary." - Iver B. Neumann, Oslo, Norway, author of Uses of the Other: "The East" in European Identity Formation

About the Author

PAUL T. LEVIN is Program Director for Governance and Management Training and Assistant Professor of International Relations at Stockholm University.