Read more
Thoroughly revised, the seventh edition of this accessible and highly respected text provides a rigorous yet digestible introduction to the European Union. Additionally, it authoritatively explains developments that continue to bring challenges to this powerful institution in times of great political change.
List of contents
Introduction
Part I: History 1. What Is the European Union? 2. Origins: The Road to Paris and Rome 3. Stagnation and Renewal: The Single European Act and Maastricht 4. Unity and Upheaval: The Eurozone, the Treaty of Lisbon, and Crises in the EU
Part II: Institutions 5. The European Commission 6. The Council of Ministers and the European Council 7. The European Parliament 8. The European Court of Justice 9. The European Central Bank and other EU Bodies and Agencies 10. Representing Public Opinion in the EU
Part III: Policies 11. Public Policy and the Budget of the EU 12. The Single Market, Monetary Union, and Regional Development Policy 13. Agricultural and Environmental Policy 14. Social Policy, Justice and Home Affairs, and other Policies 15. Security and Global Power 16. The EU and the World. Conclusion
About the author
Jonathan Olsen is Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at Texas Woman's University, US.
Summary
Thoroughly revised, the seventh edition of this accessible and highly respected text provides a rigorous yet digestible introduction to the European Union. Additionally, it authoritatively explains developments that continue to bring challenges to this powerful institution in times of great political change.
Additional text
"Two decades ago, when I began teaching an EU course, I assigned an early edition of this textbook. I then switched several times to other books, looking for the right balance of attention to the nuts and bolts of EU institutions and policies and an exploration of theoretical and substantive debates about integration. I love what this revised edition offers and am thrilled to adopt it again. Olsen emphasizes change –what drives it and why it matters– without sacrificing the original strengths of this text: accessibility and comprehensiveness."– Jennifer A. Yoder, Colby College, USA
"Jonathan Olsen’s book is an exceptional combination of updated erudite knowledge about the European Union based on decades of original research, outstanding simple story telling ability of the complex supranational multilevel governance system, and theoretical richness. It is an indispensable intelligent introduction to one of the most innovative contemporary transnational integration projects of the world."– José M. Magone, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany
"Already a classic among introductory EU textbooks, this updated edition of The European Union: Politics and Policies covers a complex array of treaty revisions, institutional changes, new actors, crisis-management processes, and pro-active policy initiatives that have driven EU politics over the last ten years. Olsen packs a formidable amount of information into every chapter, using lucid prose, recrafted Boxes and everyday comparisons likely to push even US students beyond their national comfort zones."– Joyce Mushaben, University of Missouri-St. Louis, USA
"Jonathan Olsen provides a highly readable account, combining historical narrative, political theory, and institutional analysis of the development and current state of the European Union. This is a book that is accessible to students and to the general reader and provides a valuable reference tool and review for the specialists and scholars in European history and politics."– Laura Gellott, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, USA
"From environmental and social policies to trade and security politics, Olsen’sTheEuropean Union demonstrates that the EU is a major force influencing the everyday lives of Europeans and people around the globe."– Stacy D. VanDeveer, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
