Controversy surrounds the construction of postwar European institutions. Did West European states simply respond to American pressure and Cold-War politics? How important was federalist idealism, as opposed to economic and power political factors to decision-makers? These studies, by an international team of historians, examine the motivations of national political leaders and their officials. Topics covered include British and French officials, European integration and military policies, German, Italian, Belgian and Dutch attitudes, Britain and the first attempt to join the EEC, and the covert relationship between the USA and the European federalists.