Nationalism, identity and statehood in post-yugoslav montenegro

Abstract

point of principle for the L ̈ander: could the Federal government transfer to the EU policy areas under the control of the L ̈ander? This was an area where the constitution was silent, providing the L ̈ander with important constraining influence on the executive and signifying the ways in which European policy became increasingly politicised. In chapter six, meanwhile, the authors show that monetary policy has been shaped by the finance ministry, whilst the Bundesbank played a crucial role as a custodian of the soundmoney principles of the economy and the philosophy of ordoliberalism onwhich it is based. These are crucial to understandinghow the Federal Republic operatedduring the euro crisis – especially its focus on tightening rules and the conditionality of rescue funds. As shown in chapter seven, Germany’s ‘civilian power’ approach and its strong pacifist tradition inhibited it from playing a dominant role in foreign policy – a point the authors demonstrate through their analysis of the Ukraine crisis. The migrant crisis is also examined in the conclusion and skilfully contextualised in the context of the 2017 Federal election and the breakthrough of the populist right Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland, AfD). This is an impressive book containing a wealth of insights. It is also a book to which the authors could return in the future. Further difficulties in the eurozone offer the chance to revisit some of the conclusions in chapter six. Brexit would undoubtedly constitute a fascinating case-study of how Germany’s extensive diplomatic powerwas used in negotiations against an (admittedly) ineptU.K. Climate changewouldbe an equally important policy area to examine. And the suppression of the media in Poland and Hungary and the undermining of independent judiciaries raise the possibility of extending the framework to sanctions and democracy. Overall, this book is first-class and it should be read by those interested in the development of the EU and role of Federal Republic of Germany within it.