In this fascinating history of European federalism during the 1920s and 1930s, Rebecca Shriver uncovers a surprising grassroots phenomenon. Moving beyond the familiar story of elite male intellectuals, she reveals how women and feminist activists in the Pan-European Union, the New Europe Group, and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom shaped new visions for a united Europe. These organizations imagined a continental federation that prioritized cooperation, reconciliation, and individualism-qualities they associated with women's leadership. By reframing the failures of the nation-state as products of 'man-made' systems, they offered alternatives grounded in gendered ideas of peace. Drawing on rich archival research, this study challenges conventional narratives of European integration and demonstrates the central role of women in its intellectual foundations. Both timely and provocative, it speaks to enduring debates on democracy, polarization, and international cooperation that continue to resonate today.

‘Shriver’s history of interwar efforts toward European federation shows that not only were women more involved in these integrationist movements than previously understood, but that explicitly feminist ideals proved adept at building models of reconciliation. This is a deeply important book that puts women at the centre of international history.’

Andrew M. Johnston - Carleton University

‘Elegant and original, A Feminine Federation reveals how the campaign for European integration in the interwar period was an inherently gendered project. Shriver’s transnational cast of feminist activists offered federation as a rational, peaceful alternative to conflict and ideological polarization. This is an important and timely book that brings together the very best of Gender, Political, and International History.’

John Mitcham - Duquesne University

‘Rebecca Shriver’s A Feminine Federation puts women – along with the intersecting histories of feminism and federalism – at the forefront of our understanding of the history of the idea of Europe. It marks a significant contribution to the thickening out of that history, and its potential, at a crucial crossroads in our present, and I can’t wait to put it to good teaching use.’

Glenda Sluga - European University Institute

‘In this innovative study, Rebecca Shriver upends established interpretations of the interwar movement for a federated Europe. She charts a vibrant community of women who were not only operating in France, Germany and the UK, but were well connected deep into Eastern Europe. Combining feminist and pacifist politics with an interest in personal growth and psychology, these female activists envisioned a future were human beings stopped acting like mere ‘puppets’.’

Benjamin Ziemann - University of Sheffield