Can democratic governance be effectively implemented within supra-national institutions like the European Union, or is the concept inherently tied to the nation-state? John Erik Fossum and a collection of prominent political theorists examine the so-called democratic deficit of the European Union by re-evaluating the foundational definitions of democracy itself. The text synthesizes diverse theoretical frameworks to determine whether supra-national decision-making bodies can achieve legitimacy and accountability in a post-national context. By engaging with the work of scholars such as Habermas and Bellamy, the book provides a rigorous academic structure for analyzing the future of European political integration.

Experts and academics frequently cite this volume as a foundational text for understanding the theoretical complexities of European integration. Readers often note the high level of academic density, making it a standard reference for graduate-level research in political science and international relations.