SAGE Handbook of European Studies

'This volume brings together some of the biggest names in European studies to analyze the most important trajectories of Europe's development and the challenges faced by the continent today. No-one interested in Europe will be able to ignore this extraordinary collection of scholarship' - Professor Thomas Diez, Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham. 'Chris Rumford has established himself as one of the most informed and incisive commentators on contemporary Europe. In this handbook, he has drawn upon this expertise to bring together some of the best scholars currently writing about Europe. Here are to be found both the best-known names and some of the younger and rising stars. In its range and comprehensiveness it will be hard to beat; and it will certainly become an invaluable resource for sociologists, political scientists, historians and all others seeking the best information and most up-to-the-date approaches to the study of Europe today' - Professor Krishan Kumar, University of Virginia. 'Contemporary European studies has matured substantively.The breadth of topics and range of perspectives offered in this volume is a testimony to its intellectual bearing within and beyond the limits of Europe' - Dr Yasemin Soysal, University of Essex. Europe is one of the world's oldest civilizations. But what does it mean to be European today? What place does Europe have in global affairs? How should we analyze its key institutions, system of governance and broader cultural, social and political dynamics? This exhaustive and timely handbook aims to: explore the transformations that characterize contemporary Europe; investigate how we can best study Europe; consolidate European studies and provide a platform for future study; and, increase the profile of European studies. The handbook promotes the increasing diversity of perspectives employed in the study of contemporary Europe and EU integration and is situated within the context of Europe's transformations. It offers balanced coverage of political, social, economic, cultural and institutional dimensions of Europe. It includes chapters by many leading authorities: Beck; Calhoun; della Porta; Offe; Paasi; Rosamond; and, Tilly.Multidisciplinary in organization, inclusive in coverage and cutting-edge in scope, the handbook is a landmark resource for anyone interested in European studies.