European Union Politics

Cutting through the jargon of EU politics, the third edition of this engaging and informative textbook examines the history, institutions, processes and politics of the European Union with unprecedented clarity. The EU is a fascinating political experiment in regional integration and it has changed our understanding of Europe, how Europeans relate to one another, the role Europe plays in global politics and has even shifted our understanding of politics itself. Helping to make sense of it all in the author's accessible style, this book is underpinned by theory and the latest research throughout. Organised in three main parts, the text covers everything from the history of the EU and its treaties to the institutions that make up the EU and its policies in areas such as the economy, the environment and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.

This is the go-to text for all students taking courses or modules on the EU, as well as functioning as an accessible introduction for anyone who wants to find out more about how the EU works and what difference it makes.

New to this Edition:
- Fully updated to take account of the latest developments, including the ongoing Brexit negotiations, the 2019 European Parliament elections and more on the fallout from the euro zone and migration crises
- Two new separate chapters to cover the European Council and the Council of Ministers respectively
- More emphasis on comparative politics throughout to compare institutions and policies
- Expanded debates on key issues of contention in the European project
- Expanded coverage of the most recent research into public opinion in the EU
- New Snapshot features in each chapter focusing on a particular EU country

Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/european-union-politics-3e. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

List of contents

Preface and Introduction
PART 1: HISTORY AND IDEAS
1: Understanding Integration
2: What is the European Union?
3: Who are the Europeans?
4: First Steps (1944-58)
5: Building the Community (1958-95)
6: From Community to Union (1989-95)
7: Crisis and Opportunity (2004-present)
8: The Treaties
9: The Member States
PART 2: POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
10: The European Commission
11: The Council Ministers
12: The European Parliament
13: The European Council
14: The European Court of Justice
15: Specialized Agencies
16. Parties and Interest Groups
17. Elections and Referendums
18. Public Opinion
PART 3: POLICIES
19. Public Policy
20. Economic Policy
21. Inside the Euro Zone
22. Cohesion Policy
23. Agriculture and Fisheries
24. Environmental Policy
25. Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
26. The EU as a Global Actor
27. The EU and the World
Conclusions.

About the author

John McCormick is Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA.

Summary

Cutting through the jargon of EU politics, the third edition of this engaging and informative textbook examines the history, institutions, processes and politics of the European Union with unprecedented clarity. The EU is a fascinating political experiment in regional integration and it has changed our understanding of Europe, how Europeans relate to one another, the role Europe plays in global politics and has even shifted our understanding of politics itself. Helping to make sense of it all in the author’s accessible style, this book is underpinned by theory and the latest research throughout. Organised in three main parts, the text covers everything from the history of the EU and its treaties to the institutions that make up the EU and its policies in areas such as the economy, the environment and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.

This is the go-to text for all students taking courses or modules on the EU, as well as functioning as an accessible introduction for anyone who wants to find out more about how the EU works and what difference it makes.

New to this Edition:
- Fully updated to take account of the latest developments, including the ongoing Brexit negotiations, the 2019 European Parliament elections and more on the fallout from the euro zone and migration crises
- Two new separate chapters to cover the European Council and the Council of Ministers respectively
- More emphasis on comparative politics throughout to compare institutions and policies
- Expanded debates on key issues of contention in the European project
- Expanded coverage of the most recent research into public opinion in the EU
- New Snapshot features in each chapter focusing on a particular EU country

Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/european-union-politics-3e. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

Foreword

Cutting through the jargon of EU politics, the third edition of this textbook examines the history, institutions, processes and politics of the European Union. It covers everything from the history of the EU and its treaties to the institutions that make up the EU and its policies in areas such as the economy, the environment and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. This is essential reading for all students taking courses or modules on the EU, and is an accessible introduction for anyone who wants to find out more about how the EU works.

Additional text

McCormick’s latest version of this widely-enjoyed book is sure to be appreciated by all scholars of the EU. Filled with snapshots of contemporary life within EU member states, the book is crammed with insights and statistics while still being fully accessible to anyone dipping their toes into this area for the first time.

Product details

• Authors: John McCormick, John (Indiana University McCormick
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.05.2020
• EAN: 9781352009699
• ISBN: 978-1-352-00969-9
• No. of pages: 520
• Dimensions: 190 mm x 246 mm x 30 mm
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Europa, Politics / Current Events, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / European