The debates on regionalism have been polarized between European Union (EU) scholars and non-EU scholars, with the assumption being that regionalism within the EU and other regions of the world are quite distinct, with little to be learnt from dialogue with each other. This book challenges such assumptions and calls for a genuine debate between scholars of regionalism. This book demonstrates that more can and needs to be learned about regional integration all over the world through comparison and reflection on specific regional trends. Beginning with a theoretically driven introduction, leading experts in the field are brought together to offer a series of case studies on regional integration within Latin America, Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. In Part III the authors investigate the links between the EU and selected other regional organisations and processes, exploring the dynamics through which these interregional relations are developing and the implications they have for the study of contemporary regionalism/regionalisation both inside and beyond the continent of Europe. The conclusions set out a challenging research agenda for comparative studies in the field. Addressing one of the under-explored aspects of EU studies, the EU's coexistence with other pan-continental/regional organisations in the European continent, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of regionalism, IPE, European Studies and international politics.

Fully updated to include the new Treaty of Lisbon, this is the best short and accessible introduction to the politics of the European Union, written by one of the world's most well-known authorities in the area. Ideal starting reading for students and the general reader, it explains in clear jargon-free language: the EU's development to date how the EU works, and why it works this way the EU's major policies the EU's biggest problems and controversies the EU's likely evolution in the coming years. The new edition builds on the strengths of the previous edition and now includes extra material on: the Treaty of Lisbon the EU's development since 2003, including its enlargements in 2004 and 2007 recent EU policies and rule changes the EU's role in the world. Key features to help learning and understanding are: boxed descriptions of key issues and events a guide to further reading at the end of each chapter a glossary of key terms, concepts and people helpful appendices about the EU's member states and good internet sources.

Fully updated to include the new Treaty of Lisbon, this is the best short and accessible introduction to the politics of the European Union, written by one of the world's most well-known authorities in the area. Ideal starting reading for students and the general reader, it explains in clear jargon-free language:

the EU's development to date

how the EU works, and why it works this way

the EU's major policies

the EU's biggest problems and controversies

the EU's likely evolution in the coming years.

The new edition builds on the strengths of the previous edition and now includes extra material on:

the Treaty of Lisbon

the EU's development since 2003, including its enlargements in 2004 and 2007

recent EU policies and rule changes

the EU's role in the world.

Key features to help learning and understanding are:

boxed descriptions of key issues and events

a guide to further reading at the end of each chapter

a glossary of key terms, concepts and people

helpful appendices about the EU's member states and good internet sources.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. The Evolution of European Integration 3. Institutions and Decision-making in the European Union 4. Key Policies of the European Union 5. Current Controversies in European Integration 6. Which Future for the European Union? Glossary Appendix I: Internet Sources of Information Appendix II: List of Member States, with Voting Weights and Number of MEPs