Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Liefferink D. 1996. Environment and the Nation State. Manchester University Press. pp xiv + 224. ISBN 0 7190 4924 5. £40.00

Subtitled 'the Netherlands, the European Union and acid rain', this highly detailed and specific text is one attempt to understand European policy-making. It is the result of a research dissertation on environmental policy and the approach demanded for this is evident in the book. After an introduction to EU environmental policy the book divides into three. The first part constructs a theoretical framework within which the study is being completed. Theories of sovereignty and power provide a focus for the subsequent analysis. The second part examines the policy decisions in four areas: air quality, "clean" cars, industrial emissions and agricultural ammonia. Finally, the linkages between member states and the EU are explored.

This is a very specific text which contains much of use to the researcher in environment, policy, politics etc. Sadly, there is little of use to younger students which is to be regretted because the impact of ideas such as researched here will have considerable impact in the years to come.