provides an accessible introduction to the history of European integration and places European unification within a wider political and economic context The book shows how institutional developments have been conditioned by wider international considerations. considers: * the impact of the Cold War and the superpowers on Europe * Britain's decision to join the Community * the consequences of German reunification * the problem of nationalism in Eastern Europe * key personalities, parties, regimes and political systems. This Second edition brings the history of the European Union up to date to include the Amsterdam and Nice treaties, as well as other contemporary issues such as the impact of events in Yugoslavia, the changing relationship with the US and British membership of the single currency.