"Jonas Tallberg offers an innovative theory of leadership in international negotiations and applies it to the European Union's Council presidency. The result is an important contribution to our understanding of the key role of 'the chair' in negotiations: chiefly in the EU but also in other international organizations." Simon Bulmer, Jean Monnet Professor of European Politics, University of Manchester

"This book is a must read for all who want to use rational choice institutionalism and general bargaining theory. Jonas Tallberg succeeds admirably in showing why chairmanship in international negotiation arises and what difference it makes for bargaining outcomes. He empirically assesses his compelling theoretical claims by analyzing negotiations in the European Union under the chairmanship of the Council Presidency and other instances of international cooperation." Adrienne Héritier, Joint Chair, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute

"Jonas Tallberg makes a major theoretical advance clarifying how the European Union is governed and, even better, his theory concentrating on the neglected role of the chair in negotiations is not peculiar to Europe. I have already cited it. Students of multilateral negotiations and institutions elsewhere: take notice. A marvelous book." John Odell, Professor of International Relations, University of Southern California