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About the work

Growing Apart?: America and Europe in the 21st Cen (ISBN 9780521879316) offers a rigorous, cross-Atlantic examination of how political cultures, economic trajectories, and social norms have diverged since the turn of the century, reshaping alliances and perceptions across the Atlantic. This collection, edited by Jeffrey Kopstein and Sven Steinmo, illuminates the fault lines and convergences that define contemporary transatlantic relations, from democracy and populism to market liberalism and social policy.

Summary

The volume synthesizes comparative case studies, empirical data, and theoretical reflections to explore why the United States and Europe have grown apart in areas such as governance, economic organization, and public opinion. It analyzes the volatility of party systems, the reform of welfare states, and the shifting meaning of citizenship in an interconnected yet divided world. Through nuanced chapters, it traces both shared roots and divergent trajectories that have altered diplomacy, security, and everyday political life.

About the editors

Jeffrey Kopstein is a renowned political scientist whose work on nationalism, democracy, and political violence is foundational in contemporary comparative politics. Sven Steinmo, a leading scholar in comparative political economy, brings a deep expertise in state capacity, policy reform, and the structures that shape how nations regulate markets and welfare. Together, they curate a collaborative volume that blends rigorous analysis with accessible scholarship, drawing on prominent contributors to offer a comprehensive portrait of transatlantic dynamics.

In brief

The book presents a compelling portrait of how American and European political economies, cultures, and identities have diverged in the 21st century, challenging readers to reconsider assumptions about alliance, governance, and shared values.

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