The European Union

The European Union (EU) stands out as a fascinatingly unique political organisation. 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.

The European Union (EU) stands out as a fascinatingly unique political organisation. 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.

The European Union: How does it work? is the perfect concise introduction to the EU's structure and operations for students coming to the subject for the first time. The sixth edition has been substantially updated to reflect a range of challenges confronting the EU. It incorporates expanded discussions of pressing policy challenges, including migration, climate change, the future of the EU-UK relationship after Brexit, and the erosion of democratic principles in some EU member states. It also offers expanded coverage of the EU-US relationship, the shifting global balance of power, and the impact on the EU of the rise of China and a fragmenting global economy. The sixth edition sees the arrival of two new authors, Ramona Coman and Dionyssis G. Dimitrakopoulos - contributing Chapter 4 on member states and Chapter 7 on internal policies, respectively - and a new editor, Amelia Hadfield. Learning features throughout the text help to develop students' understanding of the EU. 'How it really works' boxes demonstrate the working of the EU in practice, and challenge students to contrast this with theoretical perspectives. 'Key terms and concepts' boxes provide concise definitions or summaries of words and ideas that are essential to understanding the EU. Furthermore, each chapter contains boxes exploring specific cases that highlight how the EU works, what it does, or how it has evolved. Taken together, these features encourage students to think laterally and critically about the reality of politics in the European Union. Digital formats and resources The sixth edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats. The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access, along with functionality tools, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks In addition to supportive learning features within the book, the text is accompanied by online resources designed to help students to take their learning further. For students: - Test your understanding and receive instant feedback with a range of multiple-choice questions - Revise key terms and test your knowledge of terminology from the book with our flashcard glossary For registered adopters of the text: - Guide class debate with suggested seminar questions and activities - Adapt PowerPoint slides as a basis for lecture presentations, or use as handouts in class

The European Union: How does it work? is the perfect concise introduction to the EU's structure and operations for students coming to the subject for the first time. The sixth edition has been substantially updated to reflect a range of challenges confronting the EU. It incorporates expanded discussions of pressing policy challenges, including migration, climate change, the future of the EU-UK relationship after Brexit, and the erosion of democratic principles in some EU member states. It also offers expanded coverage of the EU-US relationship, the shifting global balance of power, and the impact on the EU of the rise of China and a fragmenting global economy. The sixth edition sees the arrival of two new authors, Ramona Coman and Dionyssis G. Dimitrakopoulos - contributing Chapter 4 on member states and Chapter 7 on internal policies, respectively - and a new editor, Amelia Hadfield. Learning features throughout the text help to develop students' understanding of the EU. 'How it really works' boxes demonstrate the working of the EU in practice, and challenge students to contrast this with theoretical perspectives. 'Key terms and concepts' boxes provide concise definitions or summaries of words and ideas that are essential to understanding the EU. Furthermore, each chapter contains boxes exploring specific cases that highlight how the EU works, what it does, or how it has evolved. Taken together, these features encourage students to think laterally and critically about the reality of politics in the European Union. Digital formats and resources The sixth edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats. The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access, along with functionality tools, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks In addition to supportive learning features within the book, the text is accompanied by online resources designed to help students to take their learning further. For students: - Test your understanding and receive instant feedback with a range of multiple-choice questions - Revise key terms and test your knowledge of terminology from the book with our flashcard glossary For registered adopters of the text: - Guide class debate with suggested seminar questions and activities - Adapt PowerPoint slides as a basis for lecture presentations, or use as handouts in class

Thoroughly revised, the eighth edition of this accessible and highly respected text provides a rigorous yet digestible introduction to the European Union. It authoritatively explains developments that continue to bring challenges to this powerful institution in times of great political change. Key features include: Clearly covers the history, governing institutions, and policies of the EU. Thorough reflection on destabilizing issues such as immigration and the years of refugee crisis in Europe, stagnating economies in the Eurozone, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions with China, continued Euroscepticism and populism, and the Ukraine war. A new focus on people and their experiences in the EU and an increased diversity of coverage and inclusion/exclusion, painting a richer picture of life in the EU. Fully updated with new colourful illustrations and in-text features such as Chapter Overviews, Questions to Consider, and Further Reading to encourage deeper research and debate. The authors present the EU as still one of the world's economic and political superpowers, which has brought far-reaching changes to the lives of Europeans and has helped its member states to take a newly assertive role on the global stage. Essential reading for students of European and EU politics, this book offers an up-to-the-minute look at both the opportunities and existential threats facing the EU.

Thoroughly revised, the eighth edition of this accessible and highly respected text provides a rigorous yet digestible introduction to the European Union. It authoritatively explains developments that continue to bring challenges to this powerful institution in times of great political change. Key features include: Clearly covers the history, governing institutions, and policies of the EU. Thorough reflection on destabilizing issues such as immigration and the years of refugee crisis in Europe, stagnating economies in the Eurozone, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions with China, continued Euroscepticism and populism, and the Ukraine war. A new focus on people and their experiences in the EU and an increased diversity of coverage and inclusion/exclusion, painting a richer picture of life in the EU. Fully updated with new colourful illustrations and in-text features such as Chapter Overviews, Questions to Consider, and Further Reading to encourage deeper research and debate. The authors present the EU as still one of the world's economic and political superpowers, which has brought far-reaching changes to the lives of Europeans and has helped its member states to take a newly assertive role on the global stage. Essential reading for students of European and EU politics, this book offers an up-to-the-minute look at both the opportunities and existential threats facing the EU.