Product Description

The second edition of Politics in the European Union builds on the comprehensiveness and accessibility of the first, remaining an authoritative introduction to the nature of the European Union and the process of European integration. Clearly divided into four parts, covering the theory and history of European integration, and the institutions and policies of the European Union, this text combines current academic debates with empirical data and offers a significantly expanded and more diverse discussion of EU theories than the previous edition. It addresses all of the most important new developments in EU Politics, such as the adoption of a Constitution for the EU; the enlargement of EU membership to incorporate ten new Member States; the elections to the European Parliament; and the nomination of a new European Commission. The book also contains enhanced pedagogical features that are focused on the needs of student and is supported by an Online Resource Centre Online Resource Centre: For lecturers: essay questions, figures and tables, seminar questions and activities and an in-depth examination of some of the key member states. For students: map of Europe flashcard glossary, multiple choice questions, interactive timeline and web links.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13615 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 656 pages

Review
'A welcome contribution to the ever expanding list of undergraduate textbooks on the politics of the European Union.' Political Studies

About the Author
Ian Bache is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Sheffield.

Customer Reviews

A very good introductory book
This co-authored volume by the two Sheffield University academics is a welcome addition to the vast array of 'introductory' books on the European Union. To some extent it builds upon S. George's previous book "Politics and Policy in the European Union" but has been vastly expanded and updated. Distinct from other books (such as Hix and edited books by Richardson and Wallace) it present a broad overview over integration and governance theory, the history of the EU, the context within the biggest member states, the institutions, and some key policy sectors. It thus provides a good reference point for any student on all aspects of EU studies. It is particularly strong in outlining and explaining the important theories that structure the academic debate about integration and policy-making. The subsequent chapters provide a good introduction to the institutions and policy sectors by positioning them within the theoretical framework outlined in the first chapters and by linking them to the ongoing academic debate. The theoretical introduction is particularly good, as are the chapters on the Commission and on cohesion policies. Frequent use of boxed features and diagrams, as well as the inclusion of important key points and a short guide to further reading at the end of each chapter, make this the ideal text book for undergraduate students who are new to European politics. Yet, for more advanced students this book hardly provides any new insights. Those who wish to gain further and deeper understanding of European politics are advised to read some of the books and articles referenced in the book (but beware of some typos: 'International Organization' became 'Political Organization' on p.287). Nevertheless, this is probably the best comprehensive introductory textbook on the European Union and is thus highly recommended.

A Sheffield Politics Student
I am currently studying politics and international relations at the University of Sheffield and have just completed the European Union module taught by Ian Bache.
The specifics of the book have been outlined in the above reviews, I'd just like to note its usefulness, or not, to Sheffield students in particular, but politics students in general.
The book is on the recommended book list and a chapter or two are always on the weekly reading list. So from that point of view a worthwhile buy. However it is also available as an electronic version via the library website for students to access for those that dont mind reading from the screen and can save you a fair amount of money.
Ian also bases his lectures around these chapters so depending on your point of view it can become repetative or re-afirming to have a copy of this book.
On a wider point, friends of mine at other uni's across the UK doing politics also have copies of this book on their shelves, so definately a core student textbook, and every bit as useful as outlined above.

My Bible
Politics of the European Union is my bible and Bache and George are my Gods! This book is brilliant for anyone studying the European Union. The layout is clear and well organised, with special concepts highlighted separatly from the main text. Each chapter is concluded with a 'Key Points' section and suggestions for further reading.

This book provides a foundation to the EU and is always my first point of call, before going on to more advanced and specific reading. Definitely a book for anyone studying the EU.