Peter L. Lindseth

“Peter Lindseth brings real historical depth to the vexed question of the special legal character of the European Union. His conclusion that the European project signals a new transnational stage in administrative governance and administrative law is supported by a rich exploration of the evolving institutional forms and political cultures of the twentieth century European state. Lindseth’s urban style, his subtle grasp of comparative detail, his steady attention to the big picture and his unswerving commitment to making sense of supranational Europe in terms that emphasize the continuity of our legal imagination make this a compelling and rewarding achievement.”

Neil Walker
Professor of Public Law and the Law of Nature and Nations
The University of Edinburgh School of Law

“Peter Lindseth has written an important book, which has found its moment. Lindseth explains why the EU represents an international offshoot of the administrative state as established at a national level. His original and persuasive account, grounded in European political history, has important implications for legitimacy, control and accountability in the EU, explained in exemplary fashion.”

Carol Harlow
Emeritus Professor of Law, Law Department
London School of Economics

“Peter Lindseth has written a rich and historically informed work that tackles a question of enduring significance for the European Union, namely what the basic source of legitimacy is for this unique supranational economic and political organization. His answer presents a clear challenge to the dominant constitutional understanding of the EU today by arguing that it is best understood as a system of delegated administrative governance, which, following principal-agent theory, rests on national sources of democratic and constitutional legitimacy. Even for those who do not agree with his characterization of the EU, this book is a worthwhile and absorbing read.”

Grainne de Burca
Professor of Law
Harvard Law School