Overview

Critics like to depict the European Union as undemocratic and unpopular, but their arguments are too often based on myths and misunderstandings. This does us all a disservice, and in this period of uncertainty about the future of Europe it is more important than ever that we have a firm grasp of the issues at stake. This powerful new book debunks the misconceptions surrounding the EU and makes a compelling and comprehensive case for the benefits of European integration. It shows how the EU has improved the lives of Europeans in countless ways, and how it has given Europe a powerful presence on the international stage. Guaranteed to illuminate as well as spark debate, this book will appeal to anyone who seeks to better understand what Europe means and why it matters.

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9781137016874

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Reviews

'A stark challenge to sceptics and critics.' - Jacques Delors, Former President of the European Commission 'This book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive look at the EU foreign policy, by presenting its history, development, actors, institutions, infrastructures, policy-making structures, scope of competence, cooperation ranges as well as challenges and limits ... a good starting point for those who seek pro-integration arguments' - European Union Foreign Affairs Journal 'McCormick's clear, concrete exposition of the unique importance of the EU to all its member states and citizens will inform and enlighten Euro enthusiasts and sceptics alike - and could not have been more timely for the new debate about Britain's role in a changing Union.' - John Palmer, formerly European editor of the Guardian and founder political director of the European Policy Centre '[A] clear, concise and enlightening account of European integration... [it] may even succeed in encouraging some Eurosceptics to examine Europe from a different perspective.' - Political Studies Review 'A must read for citizens, professionals, students and policy-makers alike by one of the most respected authorities on European Affairs.' - Alexander Stubb, Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Finland

'Sceptical voices have been a constant accompaniment to the construction of a Europe 'united in diversity' and, as John McCormick reminds us, there have been many memorable predictions over the years of its impending crisis or death. With his wide knowledge of history and expertise as a seasoned political analyst, he is well aware of both the strengths and weaknesses of this process and of the inevitability of periods of stagnation and crisis as well as periods of dynamism. But in a stark challenge to sceptics and critics he shows that the story of European Union has been, above all, one of progress in mutual understanding between peoples, of the benefits of cooperation and of the pooling of sovereignty between nations, and of a growing solidarity and cohesion in practice that could provide a model too for those looking for a more peaceful and cooperative form of organization on a global scale.' - Jacques Delors, Former President of the European Commission 'McCormick's clear, concrete exposition of the the unique importance of the EU to all its member states and citizens will inform and enlighten Euro enthusiasts and sceptics alike - and could not have been more timely for the new debate about Britain's role in a changing Union.' - John Palmer, formerly European editor of the Guardian and founder political director of the European Policy Centre.

'Sceptical voices have been a constant accompaniment to the construction of a Europe 'united in diversity' and, as John McCormick reminds us, there have been many memorable predictions over the years of its impending crisis or death. With his wide knowledge of history and expertise as a seasoned political analyst, he is well aware of both the strengths and weaknesses of this process and of the inevitability of periods of stagnation and crisis as well as periods of dynamism. But in a stark challenge to sceptics and critics he shows that the story of European Union has been, above all, one of progress in mutual understanding between peoples, of the benefits of cooperation and of the pooling of sovereignty between nations, and of a growing solidarity and cohesion in practice that could provide a model too for those looking for a more peaceful and cooperative form of organization on a global scale.' - Jacques Delors<br><br>

'Sceptical voices have been a constant accompaniment to the construction of a Europe 'united in diversity' and, as John McCormick reminds us, there have been many memorable predictions over the years of its impending crisis or death. With his wide knowledge of history and expertise as a seasoned political analyst, he is well aware of both the strengths and weaknesses of this process and of the inevitability of periods of stagnation and crisis as well as periods of dynamism. But in a stark challenge to sceptics and critics he shows that the story of European Union has been, above all, one of progress in mutual understanding between peoples, of the benefits of cooperation and of the pooling of sovereignty between nations, and of a growing solidarity and cohesion in practice that could provide a model too for those looking for a more peaceful and cooperative form of organization on a global scale.' - Jacques Delors, Former President of the European Commission 'McCormick's clear, concrete exposition of the unique importance of the EU to all its member states and citizens will inform and enlighten Euro enthusiasts and sceptics alike - and could not have been more timely for the new debate about Britain's role in a changing Union.' - John Palmer, formerly European editor of the Guardian and founder political director of the European Policy Centre. 'A must read for citizens, professionals, students and policy-makers alike by one of the most respected authorities on European Affairs.' - Alexander Stubb, Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Finland '[T]ruly an excellent expose of European accomplishments. McCormick does us all a great favor by reminding us of how much good has come from the European project...' - Leif Johan Eliasson, EUSA Review

Author Information

John McCormick is Professor of Political Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA, and is author of a number of Red Globe Press’s bestselling books in politics, including Comparative Government and Politics (with Rod Hague and Martin Harrop), Understanding the European Union and European Union Politics.

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