The European Union: A Very Short Introduction [Paperback]

John Pinder (Author), Simon Usherwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2008

The European Union is the largest economic entity in the world and one of the largest political entities, with 493 million people in 2006. Fully updated for 2007 to include controversial and current topics such as the Union's enlargement and its role in ongoing world affairs, this accessible Very Short Introduction shows how and why the Union has developed, how its institutions work, and what it does--from the single market to the Euro, and from agriculture to peace-keeping and the environment. Pinder and Usherwood cover the entire history of the Union, examine the momentous changes that have taken place within the Union since 2000, and highlight the benefits, controversies, and lessons learned from programs such as its expansion into central and eastern Europe, and the circulation of the Euro. The book also examines the role of the European Union as a peace-keeper in Europe and beyond, sheds light on how it functions in world politics, looks at its role in supporting the rise of environmental politics, and considers the challenges and choices that lie ahead in the 21st century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Even a quick flick through to look at the pictures is illuminating' Independent Weekend Review,26/05/01 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

John Pinder, OBE, is an Honorary Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges and Natolin, and Chairman of the Federal Trust, London.
Simon Usherwood is Lecturer in Political, International, and Policy Studies at the University of Surrey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2nd edition (January 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199233977
• ISBN-13: 978-0199233977
• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.5 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #512,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Public Affairs & Policy > Intergovernmental Organizations

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Merits of an Introduction December 7, 2001

By Mariano Castańeira

Format:Paperback

It is a good book. If you are looking for an introduction without getting into long theoretical discussions. The merit of this book is its simplicity. It tells the story of the European Union without leaving any of the main topics out. It reads easily. Has a few very useful charts and photographs. Its up to date, year 2001; I could not find another book that would bring the reader up to the launching of the Euro! The only reason it does not get five stars is that it is only a short introductory study and as a consequence it lacks depths, otherwise its a great book!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Concise introduction June 12, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Pinder launches into this short commentary with the in-depth historical foundation of the EU's formation. This is well brought up to date with the reasons for, and the outcome of, the different recent European Treaties. This is a must for anyone - who, like me, has/had a limited understanding of an important topic. A good concise introduction.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good intro for an Anglo-based audience May 8, 2004

By James V. Holton

Format:Paperback

Pinder does a good job at taking a complex subject and distilling it to its essential elements. It won't surprise readers of this publisher that the author's perspective is almost entirely British. The author is also very favorably disposed toward the EU and does not provide "equal time" for the other side. That is his prerogative, of course, but it does not detract from the book.