Book Description
John McCormick's Understanding the European Union provides a uniquely broad-ranging but concise introduction to the EU, covering in one volume all major aspects of European integration. The third edition is systematically revised and updated throughout reflecting the major changes brought about by the 2004 enlargement round. It also includes a full assessment of the EU constitution, the impact of the Euro, and much expanded coverage of EU policies and policy making. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great introductory book to think about the FUTURE of EUROPE!!!!!
Do you live, or are you planning to live in Europe? Then, this is a must read book.

I am very pleased that I had the chance to read this book. I have recently moved to U.K. and realized the huge impact that the EU had on each European country. You as a citizen of European Union need to understand how EU works and how it can affect your life.If you have not been following the EU development as I (I had been living outside Europe all my life), this book is a great tool to catch up.This book will guide you through the history, issues, and policies of EU which will help you understand the current situation. In the introduction and through out the book the author mentions that so many of the European people do not understand how the EU works... well, lets read this book and learn. This is an introductory book to EU and it is not difficult to read. I am a non native speaker of English but I did not have any problem understanding the content. This is a well researched book giving you up to date information with interesting data represented in figures.

Now that I have caught up with the up to date information about the EU, I am feeling very excited about the future of European Union and individual European countries (sometimes referred as "the states" of the United States of Europe). As I am studying future forecasting, this book not only helped me to understand the history and the current situations in Europe but also gave me hints and ideas about the future of Europe. With the knowledge I gained from this book, now I will understand the news better than I did before, and know what I need to look for in the development of the EU.What policies will be made to integrate the European market? Will it be "single market"? How will the EU's economic power change the balance of the world's economy?Is it going to be NO1 economic power?Cultural and political issues are more difficult to forecast... What will be identified as the culture of EU?What is the balance between the national and EU culture? Is the European Parliament (this is the only European institution that have direct influence from European voters) going to have more influence on EU policy making? Is EU heading towards federalism? The author asks "will it happen, should it happen, what form will it take, what impact will it have if it succeeds, and what impact will it have if it fails?"

I have learnt that it is important to have the right questions when you forecast about the future. This book has definitely provided me with the chance to think about questions that I should be asking for.

As I did, you will have some idea or wishes about the future of Europe by the end of the book. This is the third edition of the book, and I am sure there will be more editions to come.

Excellent Overall Review
I'm currently taking a course on the EU in which the professor gave us carte blanche to purchase our own books on the EU.I was delighted to find out that this book was written by a professor who understands what and how to communicate this information to students.Plus, since the writer is a British immigrant, he could incorporate the European perspective of the EU from first-hand experience as opposed to a vicarious one.This book was very good at providing background info (without harping too much on history) and bringing the reader up-to-speed with current events as well as personal thoughts on the EU's future.Kudos to the writer.Thank you very much.Your book was very helpful.Cheers! ... Read more

Book Description
One of the most widely used introductions to the politics and policies of the European Union, and one of the few written specifically for American students, this new edition of John McCormick's book brings the remarkable story of European integration up to date. Covering the history, governing institutions, and policies of the EU, McCormick argues that the EU is an economic and political superpower, has brought far-reaching changes to the lives of Europeans, and has helped the twenty-seven member states to take a newly assertive role on the global stage. Unlike other books on the EU, this text pays particular attention to the implications of the EU for the United States.

Thoroughly revised and updated, the fourth edition addresses developments in the debate about the character and significance of the EU, changes to the structure of EU institutions, the implications of the 2004 and 2007 enlargements, and key policy developments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Decent, But Not Great
For my class on European Politics, we used this and European Politics Today (3rd Ed.). Of the two, and in regard purely to the EU, this one is more preferable as it expounds with greater depth into the nature of the competing "ideologies" of the European integration movement's direction.

It has several drawbacks, however. For one, it's rather outdated by now: it was published when the EU Constitution (the first one, for future readers) was still being drafted and when the 10 eastern countries have just joined (not to mention Bulgaria and Romania). Hence, it does not at all treat today's pertinent issues like Turkish membership, what it means to be a European in that respect, and what efforts the EU has made recently to answer that question.

That could be fixed with a new edition. Another issue with it, however, is that a lot of its explanations on treated topics are sparse and never go beyond the elementary. Explaining the TEU, for instance, it merely lists in a bullet-tab format a handful of its consequences. To get a full picture of it, or anything beyond the basics, one has to resort to other sources.

Hence, this book is a good guide to the EU, and probably one of the better ones available out there, but it is not at all capable to teach an eager student about the union on its own.

Good tool for learning about the EU.
I took a course on the European Union at the University of Pittsburgh with only the dimmest idea about what the EU was about. This book, one of the books assigned for the course, is a very readable, very understandabledissection of the EU's history, its structure and its internal politics. Ihighly recommend to anyone reading about the EU for the first time ortaking a class on the EU.

A great learning tool!
John McCormick's book on European Union policy and politics is a great book for people who want to learn more about the EU.The book is broken up nicely into three parts:Part One deals with the evolution of the EuropeanUnion and gives a good background on how the European Community began inthe 1950's; to the evolution of the European Union up and through theTreaty of Maastericht.Part two discusses the institutions of the EU.TheEU Parliament, Commission, Council of Ministers, Court of Justice, and theEuropean Council; the book tells how each one works and what roles eachbody plays in government and politics.The third and final section talksabout EU policies...from Education through Economics all EU policies arebroken down and analyzed in the book. I think the book is a great tool forstudents learning about the EU and people who take an interest in EuropeanPolitics. Believe me when I say..."you won't be dissappointed." ... Read more

Book Description
This Very Short Introduction explains the European Union in plain English.Fully updated for 2007 to include controversial and current topics such as the Euro currency, the EU's enlargement, and its role in ongoing world affairs, this accessible guide shows how and why the EU has developed from 1950 to the present. Covering a range of topics from the Union's early history and the ongoing interplay between 'eurosceptics' and federalists, to the single market, agriculture, and the environment, the authors examine the successes and failures of the EU, and explain the choices that lie ahead in the 21st century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good intro for an Anglo-based audience
Pinder does a good job at taking a complex subject and distilling it to its essential elements. It won't surprise readers of this publisher that the author's perspective is almost entirely British. The author is also very favorably disposed toward the EU and does not provide "equal time" for the other side. That is his prerogative, of course, but it does not detract from the book.

The Merits of an Introduction
It is a good book. If you are looking for an introduction without getting into long theoretical discussions. The merit of this book is its simplicity. It tells the story of the European Union without leaving any of the main topics out. It reads easily. Has a few very useful charts and photographs. Its up to date, year 2001; I could not find another book that would bring the reader up to the launching of the Euro! The only reason it does not get five stars is that it is only a short introductory study and as a consequence it lacks depths, otherwise its a great book!

Concise introduction
Pinder launches into this short commentary with the in-depth historical foundation of the EU's formation. This is well brought up to date with the reasons for, and the outcome of, the different recent European Treaties. This is a must for anyone - who, like me, has/had a limited understanding of an important topic. A good concise introduction. ... Read more

Book Description
The leading text in its field, The Government and Politics of the European Union offers a clear and comprehensive explanation of the historical development and ongoing evolution of the European Union (EU). As in previous editions, this sixth edition presents an account and analysis of the origins of the Union, the key treaties, the main institutions and political actors, and the EU’s policies and policy processes. The book, in short, explains where the EU has come from, what it now does, and how it does it.

There have been many developments within the European Union since the last edition of this volume. In May 2004, the EU increased in size from fifteen to twenty-five member states, and, in so doing, became a pan-European, rather than Western European, organization. The following month, national leaders reached agreement on the contents of the long-discussed and exhaustively negotiated Constitutional Treaty only to see the fruits of their labors rejected in 2005 by voters in France and the Netherlands. These are only the most obvious manifestations of a constantly evolving integration process addressed throughout the book. Every chapter has been extensively revised since the last edition.

The Government and Politics of the European Union also includes reflections on the conceptual and theoretical tools used to analyze the integration process and the EU, as well as on the factors likely to influence the Union’s future development. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent first book to understand the EU!
For anyone wanting to get a first taste of what the EU is all about, this is a 'must read' book. The contents have been carefully categorised such that the reader is gradually introduced to the various facets of the EU. I must add though that some of the topics do not go deep enough but perhaps the real aim of this book is only to get you on the right track in your journey to find out more about the EU. But nevertheless 'chapeau'.

Very informative, but pretty bland!
I recently read this book for a European Politics Today class, and the teacher warned us ahead of time that it would be "hellish."It wasn't exactly hellish, but it definitely doesn't excite the reader like A Wider Europe by Michael Baun.For a pretty detailed overview of the history and workings of the European Union, this book could not be better, though. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Devastating attack on the European Union
Steve McGiffen's book gives a clear yet critical introduction to the origins, development and current direction of the EU. He is a long-time critic of the EU who works for the United Left Group in the European Parliament.
His brief, well-organised chapters cover the EU's treaties, institutions, enlargement, Common Foreign and Security Policy, Justice and Home Affairs, the euro, the internal market, external economic relations, employment, social policy, the environment, the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies, transport, and regional and industrial policy. He includes an extremely useful and up-to-date survey of information available in books, articles and websites.
McGiffen shows that the EU is capitalist through and through, created by employers for employers, designed to leach power away from workers. The EU is not about democratic nations cooperating for peace, but about employers railroading Europe's nations into a single undemocratic `superpower' (Blair's word).
Most importantly, he shows how the euro gives vast unaccountable powers to the European Central Bank, ending all democratic control over economic policy, and implementing an extreme monetarism. He shows how the euro strengthens capital's power to destroy European nations' welfare states, achieved by workers' struggles over the centuries. He cites the economist Melvyn Krauss: "Behind the euro's falling exchange rate is a life-and-death struggle between it and Europe's welfare state. Either the euro subverts the welfare state, or Europe's welfare state subverts the euro."
So the welfare state is at stake in the fight against the euro, but not only the welfare state. EU monetarism installs deflation as a permanent policy, cutting down jobs and industries across Europe: the EU mortally threatens manufacturing industry, so vital for our working class's very existence as a creative, world-making force. Without industry, there can be no independent, sovereign Britain.
So how do we stop the EU and the euro from destroying Britain? Not by rallying the forces of `the left'. The idea of workers' nationalism alone has the huge potential of uniting all our class in the fight to save Britain. Renouncing the nation only weakens the class. As Ho Chi Minh always said, real internationalism begins at home. ... Read more

Book Description
Guide to the European Union is well established as the clearest and most comprehensive guide to how the EU operates, and this new edition brings readers up to date at a crucial stage in its development. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice to read, but...
It explains very well how everything happened, in other words it has a nice storyline. But it doesn't go into details; for that one should use Moussis' books. But those are not properly updated. 'Is there ever a good book' as one of my former professors said?

Great & Quick Service
Everything turned out great, and the book gave me all the information I needed for my presentation. ... Read more

Book Description
A substantially revised and updated new edition of this highly-successful and ground-breaking text which analyzes the EU as a political system using the methods of comparative political science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent College Upper Division Text
This would make a great text for an upper division class on the EU or on comparative legislative politics.I am very impressed with its theoretical sophistication with the inclusion of simple spatial models that make its content comparable with a book such as Krehbiel's _Pivotal Politics_.

Toowordy
This book is for someone who has a pretty decent knowledge of the EU and of the governmental process.The book is crammed with information but is WORDY and Hix is a bit long winded at times.He provides a lot of references to other political theorists with whom the reader should be familiar with before he or she tries to dive into this text.I found it to be nice to read as a follow up text on the EU rather than reading it on its own.

The Political System of The European Union
In the preface to 'The Political System of the European Union' the author articulates that the central aim of the book is to provide an extensive review of the recent 'explosion' of empirical and theoretical literature,concentrating on the European Union's (EU) decision making and policyprocess. This aim is fulfilled admirably, in a comprehensive and accessiblemanner. The book begins by examining the EU system of Government.However, the conventional approach of examining separately each of thegoverning institutions is rejected in favour of examining in turn, theExecutive (Council of Ministers and Commission), Legislature (EuropeanParliament) and Judiciary (European Court of Justice). This classificationnot only increases parsimony, but also allows for the 'importation' of awider body of political science literature in which the theories ofgovernance have been developed to an extent far beyond those seen in thesub-field of European Studies. The book subsequently turns itsattention to the politics of the EU, concentrating on public opinion,parties and interest representation. Drawing extensively on recent work byMathew Gabel, and through original analysis of Eurobarometer data, adetailed picture is provided of the stratification of support for EUintegration throughout European society. One major conclusion is made - theEuropean issue cuts across the traditional left-right dimension -encouraging Europe's main political parties to play down the European issuein domestic competition. The consequences of this conclusion are analysedin the context of the EU's 'nascent political parties' and the prospectsfor majoritarian democracy - prospects which Hix concludes are extremelylimited. In many respects this last point captures the essence ofwhat Hix is attempting to convey in conceptualising the EU as a politicalsystem. For despite the author's initial claims, this book represents farmore than a literature review.It represents an attempt to transfer thestudy of the EU from the paradigm of International Relations to themainstream of Political Science. This has lead to the misperception that'The political system of the EU' down plays the 'rogue' nature of the EU incomparison to other political systems. It does not. And the point is madeclearly that the European Union is a political system but not a state. Amongst its many strengths, one weakness reoccurs. The book investigatesand explains the EU using predominantly North American political scienceliterature. In certain respects this is its strength: as in thetransposition of US Congess literature onto the European Parliament.However, in other respects, where European literature would provide avaluable comparative framework, such literature is absent.Such a focuscan be excused perhaps as a necessary counterbalance to the many'Eurocentric' volumes on the EU. In 'The Political System of the EuropeanUnion', Hix has produced an accessible and much needed literature review,whilst making a persuasive case for a change in the paradigm and methods ofEU studies. It is for this latter reason that the book will become aseminal text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Process of Integrating Europe - An introduction to the theoretical and historical background.
This review is more of a greater explanation of the contents, rather than analysis of the material selected, because it's been a while since I read this and the book contents are unable to be searched on here.

The first section of the book gives the title of the book a misnomer, which is comprised of direct speeches given by the early (1930s - 1950s) thinkers and leaders (Spenelli and Rossi, De Gaulle, and others) and contemporary ones (Blair, DeLors, Fischer) in what is now known as the European Union. Additionally, the preambles of the Nice and Maastrich Treaties were included. The preambles and speeches provide a valuabl, first-hand source on the leaders' views of integration and how the EU wanted to integration to take place.

The second section provides an analysis of early integration theories (economic integration) and the effects of integration in the EU (the fate of the nation-state). There are 7 articles in this section.

The last section has more analytical approach to contemporary theories (functionalism, neofunctionalism) of integration and levels of governance within the EU.

For each reading, the editors provide a brief explanation of the and a small historical background of author and the reading, which is valuable for readers, especially those with a minimal background on the European Union.

Since this collection is focused on integration, I was a bit surprised there was not anything (to the best of my knowledge) regarding the Euro (the common currency) or migration policy. Overall, I rate this a 3.5 stars, rounded to four on Amazon.

Brent Nelsen is a Norse God!
Wow! This man knows how to write a book on EU law! No one captures the flair and significance of Europe like he does. The chapter on "The Tragedy of Europe" brought tears to my eyes. Why did they not listen?! Why did this have to happen! Nelsen knows and he tells you. I recommend this book to all, not just Norse love gods, but to all humanity!

interesting historical & political overview
I found this book a useful reference work for the original texts concerning the political study of EU integration history & theory. ... Read more

Book Description
European integration is now in its sixth decade and the EU is growing in importance as a subject of historical research. This timely book brings together specially commissioned chapters in order to provide a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the origins and evolution of the EU. Written by leading scholars, The Origins and Evolution of the EU presents current scholarship on the history and historiography of the EU in an easily accessible way. The first part provides a chronological framework for the rest of the book and the next three parts explore particular events, issues and themes in the history of European integration. The final section covers the historiography of European integration. ... Read more

Book Description
The new edition of this concise introductory text de-mystifies the European Union's structures and operation. Blending scholarly expertise and practitioners' experience, the authors introduce and analyse the EU's key actors, processes and developments. The book's overall aim is to provide an accessible, lively introduction to how the EU works and why it matters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Out of date and poorly written.
Things are constantly changing in the European Union, which makes it incredibly difficult to publish and up-to-date book about it.This book is already outdated, and to top it off, it's written very poorly.The wording is vague and never to the point.It was required for a class I took, and I learned more by looking up "European Union" on Wikipedia than I ever did from this book. ... Read more

Book Description
Substantive law is divided into four sections: (a) the four freedoms of movement of persons, goods, services, and capital; (b) all aspects of competition policy; (c) external relations; and (d) specific community policies such as agriculture and social policy. Up-to-date and includes references to the controversial and little-understood principle of subsidiarity and to other changes proposed in the Maastricht Treaty. Each subject contains a valuable and concise introduction followed by the cases. Each case contains a summary of the issues or facts followed by extracts from the judgment and questions, comments, and cross-references including comparative law comments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very good book, but beware recent changes in the law.
I used this book to teach a law school course in the Czech Republic.It has an excellent selection of cases from which to teach the major areas of European Union (or European Community depending on your view) law.Get the most recent available supplement (1996 to my knowledge) and realize that there have been recent significant changes in this area of law. ... Read more

Book Description

Praised for its writing style, organization, and attention to historical detail, this thoroughly updated Fourth Edition presents students with a comprehensive analysis of the history, framework, and agenda of the European Union. Raising a variety of important issues, this text focuses on the uniqueness of the European Union as an organization and helps students to critically consider its future.

Book Description
This text sets out to locate the European Union in the context of International Relations theory and to explore the ways in which the European Union frames and conducts its international relations.Each chapter deals with the three key themes of the volume: the EU as a sub-system of international relations, the EU and the processes of international relations, and the EU as a power.Part I surveys the subject's roots, Part II deals with the institutions and processes of policy formation and Part III looks at the key themes of the study of the EU as an international actor. ... Read more

Book Description
With its established authority and reputation, the new edition is an invaluable resource. Michelle Cini has brought together a team of international contributors, each specialising in a different field of EU politics. The book is divided into five parts and deals with the history of the European integration process, theories of European integration, the European institutions, a select number of European policy areas, and issues of relevance to the study of EU politics. The second edition has been updated throughout to reflect recent developments, and there are four new chapters on the constitutional treaty, CFSP and ESDP, the single market, and public opinion.This books is supported by a cutting-edge Online Resource Centre. Student resources:Interactive timeline (BRAND NEW HE ONLINE RESOURCE)Interactive map of Europe with facts, key dates and web links for all the EU countries (BRAND NEW HE ONLINE RESOURCE)MapsCase studies Web linksInformation on key articles and booksFlashcard glossaryMultiple Choice QuestionsLecturer resources:PowerPoint slides ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a good guidance to understand EU integration
The book gives a clear clue of the integration of the EU through the past fifty years. It reviews the general background behind every integration, which is much helpful to particularly law students.

In a word, it is a good stuff to read before we learn EU law.

Good start for beginners, a little dry.
I knew virtually nothing about the Europena Union before reading this book, so I don't know how valuable it would be for an experienced EU scholar.However, for someone like myself it covers all the basics (what istitutions are involved?) and a good history from conception to today.The reading is a little dry, mostly due to the number of details involved, but not difficult to read.It makes a good starting point for those wishing to familiarize themselves with the the general history of European integration before going on to further study. ... Read more

Book Description
Over 2500 years ago God revealed through the prophet Daniel that the Roman Empire will revive as a world power prior to the return of Jesus Christ to establish His earthly, Millennial Kingdom. Inspired by Satan, this empire will be "diverse" or unique in history, uniting a supra-government with a world-wide supra-religion. In his attempt to thwart Christ's return to claim His kingdom, Satan will use this empire to persecute and nearly destroy Israel, a nation crucial to the program of God.Dr. Congdon presents a compelling case, demonstrating just how the European Union may in fact be the embryo of the restored Roman Empire. His Bible knowledge and analytical engineering background, coupled with his six-year EU residency, give him a unique perspective on world events and enable him to explore the possibility that the "stage" is being set for the final act inGod's revealed plan for history.Dr. Robert Congdon is well qualified to teach on the European Union and the Bible, as he has spent many years involved internationally in industry as well as ministering in the United Kingdom and Europe. In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, he holds MDiv and Th.D. degrees in theology. Residing in the United Kingdom has given him added insight into the rapid growth of the European Union and the consequences of that growth upon modern day Christianity. He is presently the Director of the Internet Bible Institute and President of Congdon Ministries International. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Book on the End Times Religion & Government
This is an excellent book that will appeal to those of us who accept a dispensationalview-point and are looking for the soon return of Jesus Christ.

A very compelling presentation of the EU movement.
I've just finished reading "The European Union and the Supra-Religion". Rob Congdon does a very good job of providing a holistic, biblically based analysis contrasting human government with God's divine plan. In particular, his presentation of the EU model and its underlying principles and forces is very thought provoking and compelling as he compares it to early human efforts to establish worldwide government apart from God. Overall, a very good read. ... Read more

Book Description
The European Union has established itself as a leading text that provides readers from all disciplines with a sound understanding of the economics and policies of the EU. Its wealth of information, detail and analysis has ensured that previous editions have been read by students, researchers and professional policy makers alike. This new edition:Covers all recent developments affecting the EU such as enlargement, the ratification of the Nice Treaty and the Convention for the Future of EuropeHas been thoroughly updated and includes new contributors for the chapters on social policy, the single market, EU competition policy, and the legal dimension of the EUIs written in a clear and engaging style by a team of internationally renowned academics. ... Read more

Book Description
In this timely and clearly written text, John Van Oudenaren traces how the original six-member common market evolved into the twenty-five-member European Union (EU) with its growing array of policy responsibilities. Providing an accessible overview of the ... Read more