The Politics of the Rule of Law in the EU Polity

Ramona Coman’s timely book is the first monograph to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent evolution of the European Union’s rule of law policy - the development of instruments through which EU institutions can address the dismantling of core aspects of liberal democracy in member states.  Coman’s compelling narrative of the politics surrounding the evolution of the policy centres on a dissensus between liberal and anti-liberal ideas, which she conceptualises as a fundamental clash between irreconcilable positions. The book makes an important contribution to the highly topical debate and growing literature on the EU’s ability to address democratic backsliding among its members.

- Ulrich Sedelmeier is an Associate Professor (Reader) in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

Growing illiberal backsliding is shaking the foundations of the EU project. Against this background, Ramona Coman masterfully surveys the many facets of EU’s rule of law policy. Her vast and deep coverage makes this book an obligatory reading for both scholars and practitioners engaging with the subject. Without doubt, this book is a pivotal reference for a central value of the EU foundation. Clearly conceived and written, the book appeals also to anyone interested in European politics.

-Carlos Closa, Professor, Institute for Public Goods and Policies at the Spanish National Research Council, and School of Transnational Governance, European University Institute, Italy.