Presenting recent research on the international integration of infrastructures in Europe this book combines general and methodological chapters and examples from different a variety of sectors such as transport, electricity and communication networks. Particular focus is on the contrast between the 'Europe of nation states' of the nineteenth century (up to 1914) and the emerging 'integrated Europe' after World War II. Additional contributions provide perspectives from beyond Europe.The wide range of topics gives a good overview of the different challenges posed and the strategies employed in each sector to establish internationally compatible networks, procedures and standards. This work strengthens comparative research as a complement to the detailed analysis of singular cases that often characterises previous works in this field. Methodologically, it therefore contributes to the progress of tools and strategies for comparative historical research. Part of the emerging research area dealing with the mechanisms of international collaboration, this book brings together recent research from European integration history, policy studies, political economy and cultural studies. Considering the growing intensity of international collaboration and exchange in many parts of social and economic life, it is also of topical interest.
Contents: Foreword, Matthias Ruete; Part I Introduction and Theoretical Background: Introduction and overview, Martin Schiefelbusch and Hans-Liudger Dienel; Methodological and conceptual challenges of comparisons across sectors and periods, Christian Henrich-Franke; Infrastructure and fragmentation: the limits of the integration paradigm, Jens Ivo Engels; Archetypes of international infrastructural integration, Gerold Ambrosius. Part II Case Studies: Two hundred years of failed tariff policy: a comparison of the Reich Freight Tariff Law and the common customs tariff of the EEC, Christian Henrich-Franke; Visions of rail development - the 'internationality of railways' revisited, Martin Schiefelbusch; Fuctionalistic spill-over and infrastructural integration: the telecommunications sectors, Christian Henrich-Franke; Transportation infrastructure integration in East Africa in historical context, Jacqueline Klopp and George Makajuma; From liberalism to liberalization: international electricity governance in the 20th century, Vincent Lagendijk; 'Wings for peace' versus 'airopia': contested visions of postwar European aviation in World War Two Britain, S. Wagar Zaidi; Iron silk roads: comparing interwar and post-war transnational Asian railway projects, Irene Anastasiadou and Aristotle Tympas; Spatial and social effects of infrastructural integration in the case of the Polish borders, Tomasz Komornicki. Part III Comments: The expansion of infrastructures as 'the Second Party Programme': a look at the bright and dark sides of Soviet life, Klaus Gestwa; The challenges of transportation integration in the USA, 1890-1960, Bruce E. Seely. Part IV Conclusions: Key findings of the case studies - a 'meta-analysis', Christian Henrich-Franke and Melissa Gomez; Experiences from comparative historical analysis - conclusions for research and policy, Gerold Ambrosius, Hans-Liudger Dienel and Martin Schiefelbusch; Index
