At no period since the creation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organisation (WTO) has it been a more opportune time to examine the work, reform and future of the international monetary and trading systems. In this comprehensive examination, the authors provide original, independent assessments of these institutions from both an American and European perspective and offer proposals for reform and improvement. The seemingly endless problems encountered by the IMF, WTO and World Bank provide major reasons for seeking reform. However, an additional impetus is the changing balance of economic power in the world. The volume begins with an overview of the Bretton Woods and international trading systems. Following this are discrete, in-depth discussions of the three institutions from American and European points of view. The authors emphasise the need for making the IMF and World Bank more regional in structure and, like the European Bank, more frugal in the lifestyles of their officials. Similarly, they call for a narrower focus in the mission of the World Bank and the IMF. In the case of the WTO, they call for a democratic reform of the organisation comprising participation by experts and, above all, better representation and support for Third World countries. Scholars and students of political economy, as well as those interested in the history and reform of international institutions, will find this an enlightening and necessary addition to their library.

This provocative and thoughtful book critically examines the major issues facing Europe today and makes policy proposals for the future.The Future of Europe focuses on the main policy areas where European leaders must take decisions over the coming years. The issues discussed include the EC's policies for enlargement, greater depth, economic and monetary integration, foreign affairs, defence and citizenship rights. The author, Peter Coffey, offers a considered assessment of the move towards European integration, praising the achievements but also expressing concern about the lack of democratic control in the EC and its inability to co-ordinate its economic, monetary and foreign policies. European union, he argues, must be a selective coming together 'a Europe a la carte' if the rights of the individual are to be reconciled with the necessity of creating a common front in selected critically important areas. Written in an accessible and informative style, this key policy book introduces students, teachers and others to the central economic, social and political issues facing present-day Europe.

Europe is at a major crossroads in its post-World War II history. The European Union (EU) has not only successfully adopted the euro as a common currency but it also stands upon the threshold of including twelve more member states. In this comprehensive volume, Peter Coffey, author of The Future of Europe (Edward Elgar, 1995), examines the major issues and challenges facing Europe and presents a concise and up-to-date analysis of the economic, political and social issues facing the EU on the eve of its impending enlargement. The book is divided into five parts, with Part One analyzing issues surrounding the enlargement of the EU including criteria for membership, negotiations with candidate countries, and possible implications. Part Two covers the euro and the EMU. In Part Three the author examines the major areas of reform - institutional as well as policy - and sets forth his own proposals for future policy changes. Part Four reviews the European Convention, while Part Five looks to the future of Europe. Also included are official documents on European unification that are often difficult to obtain.In conclusion, the author foresees that the EU will, at least for some time, become a confederation of nation states, rather than a federation as desired by some EU members. This timely book is a must read for students and scholars of European studies, as well as political leaders and those with business interests in Europe.

This provocative and thoughtful book critically examines the major issues facing Europe today and makes policy proposals for the future.The Future of Europe focuses on the main policy areas where European leaders must take decisions over the coming years. The issues discussed include the EC's policies for enlargement, greater depth, economic and monetary integration, foreign affairs, defence and citizenship rights. The author, Peter Coffey, offers a considered assessment of the move towards European integration, praising the achievements but also expressing concern about the lack of democratic control in the EC and its inability to co-ordinate its economic, monetary and foreign policies. European union, he argues, must be a selective coming together 'a Europe a la carte' if the rights of the individual are to be reconciled with the necessity of creating a common front in selected critically important areas. Written in an accessible and informative style, this key policy book introduces students, teachers and others to the central economic, social and political issues facing present-day Europe.