This book investigates the inherent tension between the European Union's market-driven integration process and the democratic legitimacy of its political institutions. Hagen Schulz-Forberg and Bo Stråth utilize historical analysis to challenge the assumption that economic integration naturally leads to democratic stability. They argue that the focus on market mechanisms has created a persistent democratic deficit, effectively sidelining the development of a robust European public sphere.

Scholars and political analysts frequently cite this work for its rigorous critique of the technocratic nature of European governance. It is widely regarded as a foundational text for those examining the historical roots of the EU's current democratic challenges.