The European Community: Economic And Political Aspects - Softcover

This book provides an up-to-date and, accessible, yet analytical and critical, evaluation of the nature and functioning of the European Community. Its approach is multidisciplinary. The "European Community: Theories and Practice" is split into three parts dealing with three aspects of the European Community: the explanatory theories of European integration which have been invoked to explain the historical evolution of the community; the institutional framework of the community; and detailed analyzes of the key policies and issues. Case studies of community policy formulation and implementation are used throughout the book. They are drawn from sources not easily available elsewhere (PNL is an official European documentation centre). The policy areas singled out for specific attention have been chosen because they appear on a wide range of course syllabi, and/or because they are central to the European community, and/or because they are issues of widespread concern within the community. There are three central themes running through the book. Primary among them is the dynamic and dialectical relationship between nationalism and supernationalism which is reflected in the political discourse, the institutional framework and policy-making processes of the community. A second closely-related theme is the waning power of individual nation-states as a result of growing international interdependence. The third general theme which emerges is the incremental development of EC policies and institutions since 1958. In addition, the authors analyse the results and implications of the European Elections in a appendix at the end of the text.