The European Union faces a crossroads in the twenty-first century. While there is evidence of declining enthusiasm for European integration, the EU plays an increasingly vital role in tackling problems that can no longer be dealt with at member state level. In recent years, the EU has developed a stronger foreign, security and defence policy, and has had to face up to the challenges of tackling organised crime, human trafficking and drug smuggling. In this fully updated new edition, Alasdair Blair examines the economic, political, social and personal factors that have shaped the process of European integration from the end of the Second World War until the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. Written in a clear and jargon-free style, the book explores:The context of European integration and expansionThe relations between the European Union and its member statesThe institutional evolution of the European UnionMethods of decision-makingKey policies of the European UnionThe future direction of the European UnionComprehensive and accessible, this book is an essential guide to understanding the relevance of the European Union in the twenty-first century.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2010-07-08
Mått:170 x 240 x 15 mm
Vikt:100 g
Format:Häftad
Språk:Engelska
Serie:Seminar Studies
Antal sidor:224
Upplaga:2
Förlag:Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN:9781408234525

Utforska kategorier

Europas historia inom Historia och arkeologi

Mer om författaren

ALASDAIR BLAIR is Professor of International Relations and Head of the Department of Historical and Social Studies at De Montfort University. He is the author of eight books, including International Politics: An Introductory Guide (2009) and Companion to the European Union (2006).

Recensioner i media

“The European Union Since 1945 should be read by undergraduates in introductory EU courses, policy practitioners who are interested in how the European project developed over time, and by the intelligent general reader. This is an excellent example of how an accessible textbook with crucial supporting documents should be written, documented and presented.”Neil Winn, European Foreign Affairs Review“...The most concise and accurate description of the development of European institutions and their policies.”Michael J. Steffens, Political Studies Review“The author is balanced in his presentation of the controversies surrounding the organisation and its future.”Dr James Munson, Contemporary Review

Innehållsförteckning

Publisher’s acknowledgements Author's acknowledgements Preface to the Second Edition Abbreviations Chronology Who’s WhoGlossary MapsPART ONE: BACKGROUND 1. THE PROBLEM OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PART TWO: ANALYSIS 2. THE ROAD TO ROME: 1945–57 The Emergence of European Unity The Hague Congress The Coal and Steel Community The Failure of the European Defence Community 3. CONSTRUCTING THE COMMUNITY: 1958–70 Institutional Design Policies and Competencies The Nationalist BacklashThe Spirit of the Hague 4. THE ENLARGED COMMUNITY: 1970-84 The First EnlargementBritain’s Indecision EurosclerosisTransatlantic DifficultiesBritain’s Budgetary Question 5. THE TRANSFORMATION OF EUROPE: 1985-1993 Creating the Internal Market The Single European Act The Road to 1992Europe’s Changing Map The Maastricht Treaty 6. BUILDING A NEW EUROPE: 1994-201nbsp; Enlarging the EU Treaty of Amsterdam Treaty of Nice The Fifth Enlargement and Constitutional ReformLisbon and Beyond PART THREE: ASSESSMENT 7. THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION Boundaries of Europe Nature of membershipThe future of European integrationPART FOUR: DOCUMENTS Further reading References Index