European Democracies is an introduction to the politics and governments of Western, Central, and Eastern Europe. Organized thematically rather than country-by-country, this fully revised edition examines topics such as electoral systems, the European Union, refugees and the welfare state, and asks how to explain variations in policy outcomes, and how globalization is affecting European Democracies, among others. Throughout, the author treats Europe as a single but diverse entity and asks readers to compare what they learn about European politics with the politics of their own country.
Key features in this new edition include:
- An updated thematic introduction to the politics and governments of Europe;
- Fully revised to include comprehensive coverage of recent electoral politics and political events in Europe, such as Brexit, the refugee crisis, and terrorist attacks;
- New chapters on immigration and the nature of European political culture and welfare state.
- New comparative sections covering topics such as political parties, and financial and political differences in governments between Europe and the USA.
This key, in-depth text will be essential reading to anyone interested in European politics and comparative politics.
Table of Contents:
Introduction and Structure of the Book 1. Becoming Modern in Europe and America: Different History, Different Politics 2. Political Parties 3. "The Most Specific Manipulative Instrument of Politics": Electoral Systems and How Votes are Turned into Seats 4. Parliaments and Presidents: From Legislative to Executive Authority 5. Courts 6. Bringing Politics Closer to the People: Referenda and Federalism 7. Social Movements 8. Immigration and the Welfare State 9. The Ties that Bind: Political Culture and the Power of Common Forms of Life 10. The European Union, "Brexit" and Quo Vadis? 11. Economics, Politics, and the Greek Tragedy of 2015 12. Does All of this Really Matter – and Why Should we Care? Explaining Policy Outcomes 13. Nationalism and Ethnicity 14. Power Sharing in Deeply Divided Societies 15. Globalization and European Democracies
About the Author :
Markus M.L. Crepaz is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor of Political Science at The University of Georgia, USA. He has been at this institution since 1993 and is the Head of the Department of International Affairs since 2009. He has published numerous articles on electoral engineering, European politics, interpersonal trust, immigration, and corporatism.
Review :
‘This book is quite simply the best text you can find on European Democracies. The 9th edition has not only been updated to provide state-of-the-art coverage of the most recent developments such as terrorist attacks, Brexit, and elections across Europe but includes two brand new chapters on most timely topics: immigration and the European welfare state and the nature of European political culture. This edition provides excellent thematic coverage of all the essential topics and is designed to provoke stimulating class discussions.’ - Daniel Kinderman, The University of Delaware, USA
‘An impressive fusion of analytical rigor with a capacity to stimulate lively discussions among students on politics and society in Europe and the United States. This textbook uses a novel comparative perspective to explain differences among European democracies, and between the United States and European democracies. I know of no textbook that does so as systematically and vividly.’ - Lisa Maria Dellmuth, Stockholm University, Sweden
‘As a professor and program director in an undergraduate study abroad program in Europe, I rely on European Democracies to give comprehensive and up to date information on European politics. Arranged thematically, this new revised volume provides the latest information on electoral systems and their outcomes, cabinet formation, party systems, government types, power sharing, and nationalism and ethnicity across European polities, among other important topics. Each chapter concludes with a list of important terms and interesting and timely discussion questions. Especially impressive in the recent edition is the chapter on the evolution of the former Communist states of eastern and central Europe and the discussion of globalization. This chapter provides an excellent overview of the globalization concept and its consequences for governing in post-industrial societies and is all the more important because of the rise of adverse views toward the EU and anti-immigrant political behavior in Europe coinciding with Trump’s election in the U.S. I strongly recommend the Crepaz book for general courses in comparative politics as well as classes on European political systems.’ - Jerome S. Legge, Jr., University of Georgia, USA.
‘This is a truly comparative textbook. Organized not by countries but by concepts, Crepaz stimulates students to reflect on the possible explanations for key differences among European democracies and between Europe and the United States. An excellent basis for creative and vivid class discussions.’ - Arend Lijphart, University of California, San Diego, USA
