European Politics Today

In this new edition, Patricia Hogwood and Geoffrey Roberts offer a comprehensive introduction to the political systems and processes of Western Europe. The book begins with an overview of the features and events that have shaped the political landscape of Europe up to the end of the 20th century. The authors go on to discuss liberal democracy, historical sources of conflict between countries, electoral systems, political parties and interest groups, governments and parliaments. The final section looks at federalism and EU decision-making and concludes with a consideration of how liberal democracies in western Europe have attempted to provide stable government while remaining responsive to changes in society. This book has been fully updated to take account of the French, British and Italian general elections that have occurred in recent years, as well as the momentous changes that have taken place in global politics as a result 9/11, and the preparations for EU enlargement. The chapters on the European Union and democracy in Western Europe have also been substantially revised to take account of globalization and recent political corruption issues.

"This book is an essential reference guide for students of West European politics and West European area studies. A perfect companion to European politics today (by the same authors), it contains details of major events, political leaders, important dates, organisations and recent elections, all in an accessible, easy-to-read format. A comprehensive reference work, the book also provides a sound historical background for students of contemporary Europe. It covers the information and terms of reference students need to know to understand developments in European politics from the Second World War to the present day. Much of the book is devoted to those European countries most often featured in comparative courses in colleges and universities: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain as well as the European Union. Also included are details of personalities and events which have proved decisive for smaller and less familiar European democracies. From Resistance leaders to presidents, civil wars to scandals, the forces shaping the Europe of today are detailed in this book. This book is ideal for undergraduate students on politics, European studies and area studies courses"--Publisher's description.

This is the first truly pan-European survey of contemporary European politics, that includes nations from both Western and Eastern Europe as well as a separate chapter on the European Union. Written by foremost scholars in the field, the book examines questions about the foundations and processes of democratic government, and then compares the experiences of seven nations in Western and Eastern Europe. This framework provides a basis for comparing political values, institutions and processes across Europe.

European Politics surveys the history, institutions, and issues that are essential for understanding contemporary European politics. Exploring a central question—"what is Europe?"—this text's thematic approach helps students compare politics in individual countries and see the political big picture in the region. European Politics examines not only countries already in the European Union but also those eligible to join to give students the most comprehensive picture of Europe's evolution in a globalized world. Key changes for the new edition: Fully revised and updated to include coverage of recent elections, public opinion data and key topics such as refugees, Russia and Ukraine, Syria, more on the economic crisis, and Brexit; Expanded and revised opening chapter explaining Europeanization, multi-level governance, and the fissures in Europe; Greater and updated coverage of theory, multi-culturalism, and the EU. This timely, in-depth text will be essential reading for anyone interested in European politics.

The first comprehensive survey to include Western and Eastern European nations and the European Union, European Politics Today is the broadest available examination of Europe’s diverse political systems. Written by leading comparativists and area studies experts, this text introduces key concepts about political institutions, culture, and policy and follows them in seven authoritative country studies, which facilitates the comparison of political experience across the region. European Politics Today’s innovative combination of theory and cases ensures that students explore individual countries in-depth and consider the issues that affect all of Europe.