The European Union since 1945

Product DescriptionThe European Union since 1945 provides a general survey of European intergration, from its emergence at the end of World War II to the negotiation of the Constitutional Treaty in 2004 and enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe. Adopting a chronological approach, the book examines the economic and political factors that have shaped the process of European Integration, and as a consequence the transfer of power away from member states, have been primarily the result of decisions taken by the member states themselves.Suitable for undergraduate courses on the EU taken as part of the European Studies, History, Politics, International Relations or Law degree.ReviewThe author is balanced in his presentation of the controversies surrounding the organisation and its future.Dr James Munson, Contemporary Review, Volume 287, No 1677, October 2005...the most concise and accurate description of the development of European institutions and their policies....a welcome contribution to the historical research on European integration. It provides a crisp and accessible overview of the major developments that will be enjoyed by its readers.Michael J. Steffens, Political Studies Review, Volume 4, Number 2, May 2006The clear accessible chapters, documents and timeline are designed to be accessible and helpful for the reader The European Union Since 1945 should be read by undergraduates in introductory EU courses, policy practitioners who are interested in how the European project developed over time, and by the intelligent general reader. This is an excellent example of how an accessible textbook with crucial supporting documents should be written, documented and presented.Neil Winn, European Foreign Affairs Review 11: 281290,2006From the Back CoverGeneral Editors: Clive Emsley and Gordon MartelThe European Union has an important significance for the governance of the member states within it, and a wider impact on external policy developments. It is a unique body whose influence permeates beyond its own borders.In this book, Alasdair Blair provides an uptodate account of the history of European integration from its emergence at the end of Word War II until the negotiation of the Constitutional Treaty in 2004.Adopting a chronological approach, Blair examines the economic and political factors that have shaped the process of European integration. Written in a clear, jargonfree and accessible style, the book explores: the problem of European integration and expansion the relationship between the European Union and its member states the institutional evolution of the European Union methods of decision making key policies of the European Union the future direction of the European UnionAlso including key features such as a comprehensive primary documents section, a Glossary of Terms, a Whos Who of key personalities, a detailed chronology, a Bibliography and Guide to Further Reading, this book is an essential guide to understanding the relevance of the European Union in the 21st century.ALASDAIR BLAIR is Jean Monnet Chair and Reader in International Relations at Coventry University.About the AuthorAlasdair Blair is Jean Monnet Chair and Reader in International Relations at Coventry University He is the author of The Longman Companion to the EU since 1945 and Along with Anthony Forster is coauthor of Britains European Foreign Policy.