For the Soul of Europe. Jacques Delors's Narrative Battle against Reaganomics

Abstract

This article discusses Jacques Delors's narrative battle against "Reaganomics." The research is located within the context of postwar transatlantic relations and centers on the analysis on Jacques Delors' s vision and rhetoric. Its main purpose is to examine how the former President of the European Commission has purposely nurtured Europe's exceptionalist self-perception and contributed to shape America's understanding of the Old World, either as model or antithesis. Discussing Delors's language, imagery and stories, penetrating the symbolic relevance, discursive dimension and ideological ambitions of his initiatives is indispensable to comprehend his long-lasting contribution to the formation of an "imagined" European community.