ILLUSIONS OF THE PAST: DEMOCRACIES IN EUROPE AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Abstract

This article provides an analytical review of books that explore the past, present, and future of democracy and European integration in Europe, as well as the prevailing illusions. The data is a valuable source for a proper understanding of the history and current challenges of European integration. Together, they provide insight into two trajectories that have become dominant in European history. One concerns the democratization of Europe, both at the level of nation-states and at the level of the European Union. The other concerns European integration: studies show that both trajectories influence each other, but ultimately develop independently of each other. According to the historical patterns of socio-political development, the gradual maturation of capitalism has always been a precondition and at the same time a catalyst for the establishment of democratic forms of government. Despite the fact that the process of democratization in most European countries is still far from being completed, certain transitional experiences make it possible to characterize the dynamics of democratic processes and identify some features of democratization in different countries. European integration, in turn, is a complex and controversial socioeconomic process of establishing close cooperation between European states. It is one of the manifestations of the leading trend of modern historical development – strengthening of the comprehensive interdependence of states, especially in the economic sphere, and further rapprochement of civilization-related national communities. However, only by looking at both trajectories from a bird's eye view can one fully understand each of them.