ABSTRACT

The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in which some members of the European Union have joined, has prompted much discussion of monetary union. Most of this discussion has focused on the immediate issues, such as prospects for the Euro and the possibility of expanding the Euro-zone. This book stands back and considers the relevant theory or what lessons might be drawn from other unions that have been formed in the past as well as looking at EMU directly.

chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

chapter 3|28 pages

The future of EMU

What does the history of monetary unions tell us?

chapter 4|28 pages

How long did it take the United States to become an optimal currency area?

The troubled history of the American monetary union

chapter 6|36 pages

The future of the euro: a public choice perspective

A public choice perspective Introduction and overview