European Politics in Transition

Written by six prominent scholars,European Politics in Transitionpresents a stimulating and comprehensive introduction to the political systems of post-World War II Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Eastern Europe, and the European Union. Four key themes--economic management, relationships between countries, the challenges of democracy, and the political impact of social diversity--are used to illustrate the concept of politics in transition within each country and on a global level. In-depth coverage of each country focuses on (1) the making of the modern state, (2) political economy and development, (3) governance and policy-making, (4) representation and participation, and (5) politics in transition. Up-to-date coverage includes the implications of British Prime Minister Tony Blair's relationship with the United States; the Socialist resurgence in France; Germany's opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the attempt by the Schroeder Government to cut back on Germany's social welfare spending; the Major innovations in Italian politics introduced by Prime Minister Berlusconi; the challenges and opportunities posed for Poland and other countries in East-Central Europe by accession to the EU, and a section on the changes each country has made in response to the war on terror and how relationships with United States have changed in the wake of 9/11. EU coverage includes discussion of the Constitutional Treaty, the expansion of the EU and NATO, the effects of globalization on Europe, and immigration issues andcollective identities.