DESMOND DINAN is Professor of Public Policy and holds the Jean Monnet Chair in European Public Policy at George Mason University, USA. His numerous publications include Europe Recast: A History of European Union (Palgrave Macmillan, 2004) and he is Editor of Encyclopedia of the European Union.

Reviews for the previous editions: 'A masterful examination of the history, institutions, and policies of the EU.' - Europe 'A rich history, navigable institutional blueprints, and a frank discussion of the past, present, and future activities of the European integration project...As a teaching resource its comprehensive coverage, attention to detail, and amusing anecdotal style make it an ideal text for undergraduate and graduate courses alike...its extensive bibliography, logical organization, and historical perspective will make it attractive to researchers as well.' - ECSA Review 'An essential foundation text for the study of the politics of the European Union...belongs on every student's shelf.' -Cambridge Review of International Affairs 'A tour de force grounded in the politics of the EU's big players.' - Times Education Supplement

• IntroductionPART I: HISTORYReconstruction, Reconciliation and Integration, 1945-1957Uncertain Terrain, 1958-1972A Community in Flux, 1973-1984From European Community to European Union, 1985-1992The Emergent European Union, 1993-1999The Unsettled European Union, 2000-2010PART II: INSTITUTIONSThe CommissionThe European Council and the Council of MinistersThe European ParliamentInterinstitutional DynamicsPART III: POLICIESAgriculture and CohesionThe Internal Market and Monetary UnionEconomic Performance: Growth and JobsThe Environment, Energy, and Climate ChangeBeyond the EU's BordersInternal and External SecurityEU-US Relations.