Foundations of European Politics

Foundations of European Politics offers an accessible introduction to European politics using a coherent analytical framework. It presents students with the basic theoretical and empirical toolkit of social scientific researchers, and explains how an analytic principal-agent approach can be used to understand both domestic and EU-level policy-making in Europe.

The book draws on cutting edge research from all areas of European politics - from national and EU institutions, to political behaviour and policy-making - and uses case studies and examples throughout to help students compare different electoral systems, parties and governments across Europe.

The book is structured thematically in five parts, beginning with theoretical foundations; moving on to examine citizens and voters, elections and parties, governments and policy; and finally covering the rule of law, democracy and backsliding.

Digital formats and resources
Foundations of European Politics is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources.
· The ebook 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 http://www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks
· Online resources for students include: multiple choice questions, web links, introduction to important datasets, and interactive data exercises
· Online resources for lecturers include: seminar activities, test-bank questions and adaptable PowerPoint slides.

Catherine E. De Vries, Professor of Political Science, Bocconi University,Sara B. Hobolt, Sutherland Chair in European Institutions and Professor, London School of Economics,Sven-Oliver Proksch, Professor of Political Science and Chair for European and Multilevel Politics, University of Cologne,Jonathan B. Slapin, Professor of Political Science and Chair for Political Institutions and European Politics, University of Zürich

Catherine E. De Vries is Professor of Political Science at Bocconi University. She is the author of two books on European politics, including Euroscepticism and the Future of European Integration (OUP, 2018) and Political Entrepreneurs (Princeton UP, 2020).

Sara B. Hobolt is the Sutherland Chair in European Institutions and professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is the author of four books on European politics, including Europe in Question (Oxford UP, 2009), Blaming Europe? (Oxford UP, 2014) and Political Entrepreneurs (Princeton UP, 2020).

Sven-Oliver Proksch is Professor of Political Science and Chair for European and Multilevel Politics at the University of Cologne. His research interests include political representation in Europe, party politics, parliamentary debates, and political text analysis.

Jonathan B. Slapin is Professor of Political Science and Chair for Political Institutions and European Politics at the University of Zürich. His current research focuses on European parliamentary and party politics, and his most recent book is Roll Call Rebels (CUP, 2019).

1. IntroductionPart I: Theoretical Foundations2. Democratic Politics3. Multilevel Politics in EuropePart II: Citizens and Voters4. Ideology and Issues5. How Citizens VotePart III: Elections and Parties6. Electoral Systems and Elections7. Representation8. Political Parties9. Party CompetitionPart IV: Governments and Policy10. Political Systems and Government Formation11. Making Laws: Governments and Parliaments12. Policy Outcomes in Europe: Domestic and EU policiesPart V: Rule of Law, Democracy and Backsliding13. Rule of Law and Judicial Politics14. The Future of European Democracy