International Government & Politics Series – serie

Explore the rich cultural heritage of the 23 countries that comprise Western Europe, including both members of the European Union, and countries which are not EU members, such as Switzerland. Dornberg provides the necessary background information for comprehending the actions and attitudes of European nations, and in the process creates a valuable companion volume to Central and Eastern Europe. Accompanied by photographs and current and historical maps, the text describes each nation's history, physical geography, and cultural heritage, and discusses in detail the economic, political, and social factors at work in local affairs and foreign relations. Dornberg pays particular attention to the structure and functioning of the European Union and the overall process of European unification.

The vast continent of Africa is a land of enormous diversity. Bever explores the history of Africa from the origin of one of the oldest civilizations in the world to the present-day challenges of race relations, politics, and economic development. The book covers many of the forces that have shaped this continent, such as the influence of Islam, the consequences of European rule, and the political contributions of native African peoples. Africa's independence from European colonial rule is also discussed, as are the remarkable events leading to the end of Apartheid.