A Political History of Western Europe Since 1945 [Paperback]

Derek W. Urwin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0582253748 | ISBN-13: 978-0582253742 | Publication Date: June 1997 | Edition: 5

Taking a thematic approach, Derek Urwin addresses the major political and economic developments in western Europe since World War II, right up to the present day. The book covers issues and developments in national politics, and the movement towards greater unity in Western Europe and the role of Europe in global politics and in the international economy. The text has been revised throughout and updated to take account of the political consequences of the ending of the Cold War and the troubled progress of European integration since Maastricht. The Fifth Edition has lost nothing of its predecessor's clarity and accessibility and in its updated form will win the book a host of new admirers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Digests of postwar history abound, but I have yet to come across one better-written or more inclusive'
Times Educational Supplement

From the Back Cover

A POLITICAL HISTORY OF
WESTERN EUROPE SINCE 1945
Fifth Edition

"Digests of postwar history abound, but I have yet to come across
one better-written or more inclusive than Derek Urwin's Western Europe
Since 1945: A Political History. This fourth edition, updated, expanded
and reworked from start to finish, confirms my admiration for a book that
I have long found invaluable."

So wrote Martin Fagg in the Times Educational Supplement when the last update of this famous survey appeared in 1989. Now, in this keenly awaited Fifth Edition, Derek Urwin has reworked and updated his text to incorporate the turbulent events of recent years, and the new perspectives they offer on the history of postwar Europe. The result is a major overhaul (and a larger, more user-friendly format).

In reviewing the half-century of peace, stability and prosperity that much of Europe has enjoyed since the devastation of the Second World War, Derek Urwin's focus is on the free democracies of the West; but his discussions also throws much light on the parallel, but often very different, story of developments in Eastern Europe. In this Fifth Edition, the collapse of the political barriers which have divided them for so long make distinctions between "East" and "West" seem increasingly unreal - though, as Derek Urwin shows, if the political barriers are dissolving, enormous problems of economic inequality remain to trouble both the richer and the poorer members of "the common European family".

As before, his approach is thematic. Amongst the major topics he reviews are:

* key issues and developments in the national politics of the Western European states.

* the movement, through co-operation and integration, towards a concept of supranational unity amongst the independent states of Europe; and

* Europe's changing role in global politics, and in the international economy.

The Fifth Edition has much that is new to report on all of these. The end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union has affected every European nation - and is indeed changing the very concept of Europe. The troubled progress of regional integration since Maastricht (despite the emergence of the European Union itself in November 1993) has brought political and economic tension to all the states affected by it. And Europe's own status in the global hierarchy is now under challenge from the seemingly irresistible rise of the economies of the Pacific Rim. These are complex issues: but Derek Urwin deals with them, and the rest, with his customary clarity and good sense. Those who know the book of old will be delighted with this fine new edition, which will also win it a host of new admirers.

DEREK W. URWIN is Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen.

Product Details

• Paperback: 361 pages
• Publisher: Longman Group United Kingdom; 5 edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0582253748
• ISBN-13: 978-0582253742
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,179,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent look at 50 Years of European Politics, January 20, 2011

By 

Aronne (MN, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: A Political History of Western Europe Since 1945 (Paperback)

I read this book to prepare for the "Europe Since 1945" DSST. Urwin's book is excellent for that exam.

Urwin gives what struck me as a very balanced account of European political history. His writing style isn't too dry either. The content is well- chosen and organized, though it does take a while to get through the book.

Overall, an excellent read. It gave me a better understanding of the workings of Europe and helped me score well on the corresponding DSST.