The European Union: Politics and Policies [Paperback]

Covering the history, governing institutions, and policies of the European Union, Jonathan Olsen and John McCormick present the EU as 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. Unlike most other books on the EU, this text pays particular attention to the implications of the EU for the United States.

Thoroughly revised, with new photographs and updated tables and figures, the sixth edition of The European Unionexplains developments that have brought severe challenges to the Union, such as the Greek crisis, the Brexit, tensions with Russia over Ukraine, and new waves of refugees into Europe. Essential reading for students of European politics, this book offers an up-to-the-minute look at both the opportunities and existential threats facing this powerful institution.

Contents Tables and Illustrations Preface and Acknowledgments About the Authors Acronyms and Abbreviations  Introduction  Part I: History 1  What Is the European Union? Chapter Overview  The Role of the State How Did the EU Evolve?  What Has the EU Become?  Questions to Consider  Further Reading  Notes 2   Origins: The Road to Paris Chapter Overview  The Taming of Europe  Economic Reconstruction and the Marshall Plan  Security and the Cold War  Opening Moves: Coal and Steel (1950--1953)  Questions to Consider  Further Reading  Notes  3   Emergence: To the Single Market and Beyond Chapter Overview  From Paris to Rome (1955--1958)  Integration Takes Root (1958--1968)  The Role of the United States Enlargement: Looking North and South (1960--1986) Toward Economic and Monetary Union (1969--1993) Completing thl3¦