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This 2nd edition of this best-selling introductory and student-friendly text provides an engaging introduction to all aspects of politics and policy in the European Union. Esteemed textbook author John McCormick introduces the unique nature of EU politics, whilst analysing the Union´s impact upon the meaning of Europe and the lives of Europeans. This second edition has been updated throughout - taking account of the 2014 European Parliament elections and changes to key roles in the EU - and has additional coverage of theoretical approaches used to study the EU that will encourage students towards a more sophisticated understanding of how and why the EU has become what it is today, of its strengths and weaknesses and of the on-going crisis in the Eurozone.
McCormick has designed this textbook to be accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities, to act as a companion throughout their studies. Breakdowns of key concepts and debates, numerous case studies, chapter summaries, photos, and more are all included to aid learning.

This has all been complimented by a companion website, full of self-test Q & A´s, updated material, and lecturer resources to aid teaching and learning, making this text a true essential for all those teaching and studying the EU.

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Introduction.- PART I: HISTORY AND IDEAS.- 1. Understanding Integration.- 2. What is the European Union?.- 3. Who are the Europeans?.- 4. Organizing Postwar Europe.- 5. The European Economic Community.- 6. From Single Market to European Union.- 7. To the Euro Crisis and Beyond.- 8. The Treaties.- 9. The Member States.- PART II: POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE.- 10. The European Commission.- 11. The Councils.- 12. The European Parliament.- 13. The European Court of Justice.- 14. Specialized Agencies.- 15. Parties and Interest Groups.- 16. Elections and Referendums.- 17. Public Opinion.- PART III: POLICIES.- 18. Public Policy in the EU.- 19. Economic Policy.- 20. Inside the Euro Zone.- 21. Cohesion Policy.- 22. Managing Resources.- 23. Justice and Home Affairs.- 24. The EU as a Global Actor.- 25. The EU and the World.- Conclusions.

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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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