European politics into the twenty-first century

Book abstract:

This short and straightforward introduction to European politics demonstrates how European nations have attempted to cope with division within Europe and in international politics. Western, Central and Eastern Europe, including Russia, are covered, although the discussion focuses mainly on Western Europe, with the three leading nations of Germany, Great Britain and France being discussed in greater detail. In some chapters, the author refers to different subregions within Western Europe, namely the British Isles (Great Britain and Ireland), Germanic Europe (Germany and smaller surrounding nations such as Sweden, Holland and Austria) and Latin Europe (France, Italy, Spain and Portugal).

The book is directed toward a wide audience, in particular in North America, making references in the text to US politics in order to highlight the differences. The author identifies four elements in particular which are responsible for the differences between the political systems on both sides of the Atlantic: language-based nation, parliamentary democracy, religion and social class. The main body of the book is devoted to national politics, with separate chapters on the European Union and international politics. Specifically, chapter headings are: The main lines of social division; Liberals are not liberals: the European ideologies; From elections to governments: the long way; Government and parliament; Between state and society; Public policy in Europe; Supranational politics: the European Union; International politics; and Europe by region.

Hans Slomp is Senior Lecturer in the Political Science Department at the University of Nymegen in Holland, teaching European and American politics and labour relations.