A comprehensive survey of the American policy towards European integration from 1945. This book analyses the process of European Integration from its beginnings after the Second World War through to the administration under President Clinton.

"Empire" by Integration is the first comprehensive survey of American policy towards European integration from 1945 to the present. Lundestad argues that, unlike other Great Powers, the US strongly supported the integration of the most important area under its influence: Western Europe. Taking a clear, chronological approach to the subject, this study tells its tale in full--from the beginnings of European integration after World War II, the challenge to American policy on European integration by Charles de Gaulle, and the modified support for European integration in the Nixon-Kissinger years up through the present-day revived support for European integration under the Clinton administration. Lundestad thus provides a succinct, provocative, and highly readable account of this crucial aspect of American-Western European relations.

There is a great deal usefully summarized in this book; it should become a standard text for university courses, and an invaluable crib for the many who lack the time to read through the accumulation of historical evidence book by book.