This is a systematic, up-to-date exploration of the politics of European integration that includes balanced coverage of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Union. Examines European integration as a contested political process that continues to divide and inspire nations, citizens, and politicians Provides students with the analytical tools to consider why the EU functions as it currently does, whether the EU is sufficiently democratic, the politics behind EU legislation, debates over foreign policy, proposals for institutional reform, and the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis Brings together the latest scholarly research from comparative politics, international relations, law, and democratic theory Accompanied by a range of student resources including chapter-level flashcards and independent study questions available at www.wiley.com/go/glencross