Jacques Delors: Perspectives on a European Leader

by Helen Drake

Overview

Drawing on exclusive interviews with Jacques Delors himself, this comprehensive, accessibly written study of his life and Commission presidency is an invaluable resource for all those interested in European and French Politics. Debunking populist images and myths about him, this book presents a balanced examination of a widely misinterpreted political figure. This book also raises important issues such as:
the role of individual leaders in contemporary politics
the legitimacy of the European Union as a political system.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415124256
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/14/2000
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Helen Drake is a Lecturer in the Department of European Studies, Loughborough University. She has published widely on aspects of French and European Politics. Her previous publications include The Language of Leadership in Contemporary France (co-edited with John Gaffney).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Jacques Delors, 1985–95; Chapter 2 The Making of a European Commission President, 1945–85; Chapter 3 Leadership and Legitimacy Dilemmas; Chapter 4 Delors the Pragmatic Visionary?; Chapter 5 Towards a New European Society?; Chapter 6 Jacques Delors;

Editorial Reviews

Delors became well known during his decade as President of the European Commission as a strong leader overstepping the boundaries of his formal authority. Drake (European studies, Loughborough U.) draws on interviews with him and other sources to explore the combination of personal, political, and other factors that lay behind the phenomenon. She also assesses his impact on the future of the office and the European Union. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Not only does this book recognise the importance of Delors but also the power of the European Commission's President to shape the European Union. As such it is a valuable read for students, scholars and researchers of all levels in European Politics that offers an interesting insight into the 'accidental nature' of political leadership. - www.knoweurope.net

From the Publisher