Leadership in Disguise

First published in 1997, this volume is situated within a general discussion in which the European Commission is the subject of much myth and speculation. While the political debate on its role in EC decision-making continues, there is still little consensus among academics on the basic nature of the institution – is the Commission an independent, supranational body, or is it dominated by intergovernmental influences?

Leadership in Disguise enters this general discussion by providing an original empirical analysis of the Commission’s role during the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations (1986-93). Focusing on the controversial agricultural issue, the book sets out to discover how decisions were made within the European Community.

This is a systematic and thorough study of how the Commission can play a leading role in Community decision-making, and will appeal to policy-makers, students and all those seeking an insight into the Commission’s role and EC decision-making.