RICHARD SAKWA Professor of Russian and European Politics at the University of Kent, UK. He has published widely on Soviet and Russian affairs and his research interests focus on problems of democratic development in Russia, the nature of post-communism, and the global challenges facing the former communist countries.ANNE STEVENS Emeritus Professor of European Studies at Aston University, UK. She has a particular interest in the relationship between politics and administration. She is the author of Government and Politics of France (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) and of Women, Power and Politics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007).

'A welcome new edition of this established text on today's Europe. Diverse chapters written by acknowledged experts from multiple backgrounds will help students make sense of what has suddenly become one of the most changeable regions in the world.' - John McCormick, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA 'The new edition provides a stimulating, comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to contemporary Europe.' - John Greenaway, University of East Anglia, UK

• PrefaceIntroduction: The Many Dimensions of EuropeHistorical BackgroundTowards One Europe? The European Union: The Challenge of Success Government and PoliticsPolitical Participation in EuropeSocial StructureThe European Economy Regions and Regional Politics in Europe European SecurityThe Cultural DimensionConclusion