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In this insightful and engaging new book, John McCormick argues that the current climate of gloom makes it more important than ever to remind people about the achievements of Europe. The book makes a clear and unequivocal case that shows how the EU, in spite of its problems, has made Europe a better, more peaceful, and more prosperous place.

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Critics like to depict the European Union as undemocratic and unpopular, but their arguments are too often based on myths and misunderstandings. This does us all a disservice, and in this period of uncertainty about the future of Europe it is more important than ever that we have a firm grasp of the issues at stake.

This powerful new book debunks the misconceptions surrounding the EU and makes a compelling and comprehensive case for the benefits of European integration. It shows how the EU has improved the lives of Europeans in countless ways, and how it has given Europe a powerful presence on the international stage. Guaranteed to illuminate as well as spark debate, this book will appeal to anyone who seeks to better understand what Europe means and why it matters.

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1. Introduction.- 2. What is Europe?.- 3. Europe as a Peacemaker.- 4. Europe as a Marketplace.- 5. Europe as a Democracy.- 6. Europe as a Community.- 7. Europe as a Model.- 8. Europe as a Global Player.- 9. Where To From Here?.- 10. Twenty Reasons Why Europe Matters.

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John McCormick is Professor of Political Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA, and is author of a number of Red Globe Press´s bestselling books in politics, including Comparative Government and Politics (with Rod Hague and Martin Harrop), Understanding the European Union and European Union Politics.

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