Based on original empirical research that includes 90 interviews with key leaders, this book compares and contrasts negotiations during the processes of German unification and Eastern enlargement of the EU, with particular attention to the Czech Republic. It develops two models of political integration and suggests that such integration can take place by means of a take-over (Transplantation), or by the joining entity adjusting to the norms and institutions of the accepting party (Adaptation). In addition to an exploration of these two different models and a detailed examination of the two cases, the book points to other historical examples of Transplantation and Adaptation and formulates lessons for where future research might travel, temporarily and geographically, in the cases of other political integrations. Providing new insights into German unification and European integration, this text is key reading for academics, advanced undergraduate and graduate students in EU Politics,as well as policy-makers and the wider public.

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Reviews

“In this book, Tereza Novotná explores the negotiation processes that led to German unification and Czech membership in the European Union. Through the material gained from around 80 interviews with key actors the book makes an original contribution to existing academic literature on transformation and integration and to recollections of actors involved. … Those who want to read the story of integration re-told through the lenses of the two models and their categories might very well benefit from the book.” (Barbara Lippert, Journal of Common Market Studies, Vol. 55 (1), 2017)

“Tereza Novotná’s latest book takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the political dynamics of one of the most dramatic periods in recent European history … . this makes for fascinating reading and is an elegant reflection on the complexities involved in both transitions. … book isa great read for anyone looking to explore the dynamics of state integration in a period of rapid change, and offers fresh insights into a hugely significant aspect of contemporary European history.” (Carolyn Rowe, German Politics, Vol. 25 (3), August, 2016)

“Tereza Novotna examines the inter-relationship between these two epoch-making events, pointing to the different methods of accession – transplantation and adaptation. … Novotna’s research findings will be useful as the EU contemplates further enlargement to the Western Balkans and Turkey. … this book will be essential reading for practitioners on all sides.” (Fraser Cameron, The International Spectator, Vol. 51 (3), 2016)

'It is not often that we have natural experiments on the scale of German Unification and the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union where countries with very similar prehistories as part of the Soviet Bloc are both integrated into a larger entity. But while in one case a nation-state disappeared into another, in the other it became the member-state of a supranational body via the EU's process of Eastern Enlargement. What were the differences in trajectories, in personalities, in negotiation processes of bargaining and persuasion, in power relations, and in the experiences of citizens and the elites? This remarkable book provides deep insights into transplantation versus adaptation models of integration, enriched by interviews with almost all the key actors on both sides: East and West German as well as EU and Czech interlocutors. This is a must-read for all those fascinated with the histories of German unification and EU accession.' Vivien A. Schmidt, Jean Monnet Professor ofEuropean Integration, Professor of International Relations and Political Science, Boston University, USA

'The comparison between the German unification and the accession of the Czech Republic to the EU explains two ways of transformation which could not be more different. In both cases, EU policies and institutions played a significant role. Tereza Novotná's book is based on first-hand information from the actors at this time. It shows what the EU can deliver if there is enough commitment and leadership.' Professor Günter Verheugen, former EU Commissioner for Enlargement (1999-2004)

'For anyone who has ever played the part of an actor in significant political events, it is extremely interesting to look at them through the eyes of a knowledgeable author. This book written by Tereza Novotna offers an important reflection of those events. I am positive that this monograph will become a book of great significance.' Vladimír pidla, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and EUCommissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (2004-2009)

Authors and Affiliations

Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium

Tereza Novotná

About the author

Tereza Novotná is an FNRS Post-Doctoral Researcher at Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. She received her doctorate from Boston University and has held various visiting fellowships in the US, UK, Germany and Austria. She has widely published on various aspects of EU politics, especially EU foreign policy, transatlantic relations and the politics of Germany and Central and Eastern Europe.

Bibliographic Information

Book Title: How Germany Unified and the EU Enlarged
Book Subtitle: Negotiating the Accession through Transplantation and Adaptation
Authors: Tereza Novotná
Series Title: New Perspectives in German Political Studies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137477613
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan London
eBook Packages: Palgrave Political Science Collection, Political Science and International Studies (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2015
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-137-47760-6Published: 05 October 2015
eBook ISBN: 978-1-137-47761-3Published: 05 October 2015
Series ISSN: 2947-6747
Series E-ISSN: 2947-6755
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XVIII, 235
Topics: European Politics, European Union Politics, Human Geography, Democracy, International Relations, Political Science

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

Front Matter

Back Matter

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