The European Union: A Very Short Introduction

Front Cover
Oxford University Press, 2018 - Business & Economics - 174 pages
The European Union (EU) stands out as a fascinatingly unique political organization. On the one hand, it has shown the potential for developing deep and wide-ranging cooperation between member states, going far beyond that found anywhere else in the world. On the other, it is currently in the throes of a phase of profound uncertainty about its viability and future.

Showing how and why the EU has developed from 1950 to the present day, this Very Short Introduction covers a range of topics, including the Union's early history, the workings of its institutions and what they do, the interplay between "eurosceptics" and federalists, and the role of the Union beyond Europe in international affairs and as a peace-keeper.

In this fully updated fourth edition, Pinder and Usherwood cover the migrant crisis and the UK's decision to leave the Union, set in the context of a body that is now involved in most areas of public policy. Discussing how the EU continues to draw in new members, they conclude by considering the future of the Union and the choices and challenges that may lie ahead.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

 

Contents

What the EU is for
1
How the EU was made
9
How the EU is governed
34
Single market single currency
56
Agriculture regions budget conflicts over who gets what
69
Social policy environmental policy
83
An area of freedom security and justice
89
A great civilian power and moreor less?
96
Further reading
151
19462017
153
Glossary
161
Index
169
A Very Short Introduction
175
A Very Short Introduction
176
A Very Short Introduction
177
A Very Short Introduction
178

The EU and the rest of Europe
109
The EU in the world
121
Much accomplished but what next?
138
References
149
A Very Short Introduction
179
A Very Short Introduction
180
Copyright

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