Summary

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the European Union. It provides a full account of the process of European integration and the nature of the European Union, with sections covering theory, history, member states, institutions, and policies of the EU. Politics in the EU distinguises itself from competing books by its comprehensive coverage and anyalysis based on the main academic debates about the EU, including: intergovernmentalism v supranationlism, issues of legitmacy, and the impact of globalization. The book opens with a full section on theory, providing guiding themes for the book as a whole, and introducing concepts essential to the study of the EU. These themes are carried through the whole book, giving students an excellent overall critical perspective. Each chapter includes boxed features, diagrams, figures, and summary points to highlight key points and provide practical examples. The range of coverage, the clarity of analysis, and clear focus on the needs of students make this an excellent introduction to EU politics.