European Union

Clive Archer is a Research Professor in the Department of Politics and Philosophy, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, where he also holds a Jean Monnet ad personam Chair in European Integration. His research areas have been in European integration, with special reference to the Nordic area and small states, and Nordic-Baltic Security. He has also undertaken more general work on international organizations. Other publications also include New Security Issues in Northern Europe (Routledge, 2008) and Norway Outside the European Union (Routledge, 2005).

'Global order is a dynamic phenomenon, affected by the structure of a variety of institutions. In The European Union, Clive Archer skillfully and clearly introduces the reader to one of the key institutions and central features of the current world order – the EU. Demonstrating that the EU is "unique" in its role as a "Global Institution," Archer succeeds admirably in his aims of providing information about the EU and placing the process of EU integration into a set of broader political contexts – including the relationships between state and society, the states of the European region, and global order as a whole.' - Harvey Starr, University of South Carolina, USA'Archer has undertaken a wonderful service in writing this concise, yet comprehensive, introduction to the European Union. The EU's decision-making processes and policies are covered with a clarity that makes the EU's formidable complexity fully accessible - and is to be especially recommended to the reader unfamiliar with the institution.' - Richard G. Whitman, University of Bath, UK

• 1. Introduction 2. A Brief History 3. Structure and Institutions 4. The EU’s Activities: Internal 5. The EU’s Activities: External 6. The Debate on the Nature of the EU 7. Where to Now? Maps. Annotated Bibliography. Annotated Websites. Key Citations from Documents