Writing the Rules for Europe

"Technologies have created crucial connections across borders requiring new forms of regulation. This book analyses how experts, cartels and international organizations have written the rules for Europe since around 1850. Based on fresh research in the archives of multiple international organizations and European countries it explores the 'hidden integration' of Europe--forms of integration that were not always visible, but affected the citizens of Europe in their everyday lives. Richly illustrated and engagingly written, the book de-centers the present-day European Union in a new long-term understanding of European integration"-- "How have Europeans navigated cross-border technology issues over the last 150 years? Discover the people and institutions who wrote--and re-wrote--technology's rules of engagement. And understand the processes of how, long before the EU took shape, the work of integrating Europe was well underway. The book explores the role of technology in the hidden integration of Europe. It examines how a variety of international organizations competed for making rules for cross-border technology issues. It tells fascinating stories about experts involved in developing and negotiating such rules. It covers process and infrastructure technologies from steel to railways. It challenges traditional histories of European integration--through focusing on the role of technology in long-term perspective"--From publisher's website.