Politics in the European Union, 4th ed.

The European Union is a unique, complex, and ever-changing political entity which continues to shape both international politics and the politics of its individual member states. Politics in the European Union provides a clear analysis of the theory and history, and policies and institutions of the EU, giving students a well-rounded introduction to the subject, and the confidence to understand it.

Complete and detailed in its coverage, with a consolidated and updated history section, this text weaves together material on key contemporary concerns including the Eurozone crisis and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty with a thorough consideration of the workings and remit of the European Union. Clear learning features and accessible explanations help students to engage with an often complex and technical subject.

New to the 4th edition:
- Updated coverage of the Eurozone crisis and the impacts of the Lisbon Treaty provides students with the most up to date perspective on the European Union.
- A consolidated and updated history section gives students all of the context they need for their studies.
- New author Owen Parker adds to the range of expertise on the author team, bringing new dimensions to the critical perspective.

Contents:

Part 1: Theory
1. Theories of European Integration
2. Theories of EU Governance
3. Theorizing Consequences
4. Critical Perspectives

Part 2: History
5. From the end of the ear to the Schuman Plan (the late 1940s to the early 1950s)
6. The 'other' European Communities and the origins of the European Ecomonic Community (the early 1950s to the 1960s)
7. The first years of the European Economic Community (the 1960s and into the 1970s)
8. The revival of European integration (the mid-1970s to the late 1980s)
9. Maastricht and Amsterdam (the late 1980s to the late 1990s)
10. From Amsterdam to Lisbon (2000-2009)
11. The EU in crisis (2009-)

Part 3: Institutions
12. The institutional architecture
13. The European Commission
14. The European Council and the Council of Ministers
15. The European Parliament
16. The European Court of Justice
17. Organized interests

Part 4: Policies
18. Policies and policy making in the European Union
19. Agriculture
20. The single market
21. Economic and monetary union
22. Cohesion policy
23. Environmental policy
24. Freedom, security and justice
25. Trade and development aid
26. Common foreign and security policy
27. Enlargement