The European Union since 1945 by Alasdair Blair

The European Union since 1945 by Alasdair Blair

The European Union Since 1945 should be read by undergraduates in introductory EU courses, policy practitioners who are interested in how the European project developed over time, and by the intelligent general reader. This is an excellent example of how an accessible textbook with crucial supporting documents should be written, documented and presented.

Neil Winn, European Foreign Affairs Review

.The most concise and accurate description of the development of European institutions and their policies.

Michael J. Steffens, Political Studies Review

The author is balanced in his presentation of the controversies surrounding the organisation and its future.

Dr James Munson, Contemporary Review

The European Union faces a crossroads in the twenty-first century. While there is evidence of declining enthusiasm for European integration, the EU plays an increasingly vital role in tackling problems that can no longer be dealt with at member state level. In recent years, the EU has developed a stronger foreign, security and defence policy, and has had to face up to the challenges of tackling organised crime, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

In this fully updated new edition, Alasdair Blair examines the economic, political, social and personal factors that have shaped the process of European integration from the end of the Second World War until the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. Written in a clear and jargon-free style, the book explores:

• The context of European integration and expansion
• The relations between the European Union and its member states
• The institutional evolution of the European Union
• Methods of decision-making
• Key policies of the European Union
• The future direction of the European Union

Comprehensive and accessible, this book is an essential guide to understanding the relevance of the European Union in the twenty-first century.

ALASDAIR BLAIR is Professor of International Relations and Head of the Department of Historical and Social Studies at De Montfort University. He is the author of eight books, including International Politics: An Introductory Guide (2009) and Companion to the European Union (2006).

'The author is balanced in his presentation of the controversies surrounding the organisation and its future'

Dr James Munson, Contemporary Review, Volume 287, No 1677, October 2005

'...the most concise and accurate description of the development of European institutions and their policies.'

'...a welcome contribution to the historical research on European integration. It provides a crisp and accessible overview of the major developments that will be enjoyed by its readers.'

Michael J. Steffens, Political Studies Review, Volume 4, Number 2, May 2006

'The clear accessible chapters, documents and timeline are designed to be accessible and helpful for the reader The European Union Since 1945 should be read by undergraduates in introductory EU courses, policy practitioners who are interested in how the European project developed over time, and by the intelligent general reader. This is an excellent example of how an accessible textbook with crucial supporting documents should be written, documented and presented.'

Neil Winn, European Foreign Affairs Review 11: 281-290,2006

Alasdair Blair is Jean Monnet Chair and Reader in International Relations at Coventry University He is the author of The Longman Companion to the EU since 1945 and Along with Anthony Forster is co-author of Britain's European Foreign Policy.