Foundations of European Politics

With its coherent analytical framework and accessible style, Foundations of European Politics: A Comparative Approach introduces students to important tools of social science and comparative analysis.Key Features- Adopts a social scientific approach, introducing students to the important theoretical and empirical tools necessary to compare and analyse democratic politics in Europe.- Provides comprehensive coverageof political institutions, political behaviour and voters, and selected important policy outcomes.- Breakout boxes are included in each chapter to go deeper into aspects of European politics, andhow to study it. Boxes includes debates about methods and measurement of important concepts, case studies, and academic controversies and debates.New to this Edition- Three new chapters cover topics around how to study European politics using the scientific method, how people receive and process political information and the role social media and political elites play in informing citizens about politics, and how organizations and social movements influencepolicy-making in Europe. - New and updated, full colour, graphs and figures help to clarify complex data and theoretical topics.- Existing chapters have been restructured and expandedto provide deeper insights and more comprehensive coverage of European politics.Digital Formats and ResourcesFoundations of European Politics is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and it is supported by online resources. Additional data set exercises can be found at

Extremely informative and very well structured book stemming from the idea that politics in the EU countries cannot be understood without the study of the interaction with EU institutions. George Tsebelis, Anatol Rapoport Collegiate Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan, USA
Foundations of European Politics is the first textbook that looks at supranational and national politics through the same analytical lens. Clearly organized and crisply written, it successfully translates state-of-the-art research into accessible insight. Highly recommended for graduates and undergraduates. A superb volume by four top scholars that will transform how the next generation will think about European politics. Liesbet Hooghe, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and European University Institute, Florence, Italy
Authoritative and informed, yet accessible, this excellent introduction to European politics deftly interweaves theory and data. Designed to make readers think for themselves, this book offers a fine introduction to political science more generally, from respected authors who really know their stuff. Michael Laver, Professor of Politics, New York University, USA
This is the first textbook that presents a truly integrated comparative political science analysis of national and European level politics, and how these two levels interact to produce the dramatic political, economic, and social developments we have witnessed in recent years. As such, this book will transform how we teach and understand politics across our Continent for many years to come. Simon Hix, Harold Laski Professor of Political Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
This book integrates in a sophisticated way theoretical debates in comparative politics and an analysis of contemporary political developments. It provides students with the tools necessary to understand recent political changes occurring both in European member states and at the supra-national European level. It is highly recommended for courses in European politics, party politics and for general courses in comparative politics. Isabela Mares, Arnold Wolfers Professor of Political Science Yale University, USA
This book provides an excellent and unique addition to the teaching of comparative European politics. It covers many crucial challenges that European democracies are currently facing, and students will greatly benefit from the empirical focus and hands-on approach throughout the book, which makes for accessible and enjoyable reading! Dr Katjana Gattermann, Assistant Professor, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Foundations of European Politics is an ambitious, fresh take on European politics that challenges the reader to consider the intersection of theory with empirics. Dr Chris Burdett, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
This is an excellent text on European politics in the 21st century, both with regards to its substantive coverage, and its approach to political science and the methods used in the discipline. Christian Jensen, Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
This is easily the best book on European politics. The authors provide a coherent overview of the latest theoretical and empirical research regarding politics at both the EU and national levels that will appeal to students of all backgrounds. Sona N. Golder, Professor of Political Science, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Foundations of European Politics is the best introduction to the scientific study of democratic politics across Europe. Clear, comprehensive, and rigorous, it equips students with the analytical tools necessary to understand both domestic political systems and their evolving interactions with the European Union. A valuable resource for anyone seeking to grasp the foundations and frontiers of European political life. Fabio Franchino, Professor of Political Science, University of Milan, Italy
Foundations of European Politics stands out for its impressive yet approachable theoretical sophistication, alongside deep country-specific knowledge. Foundations of European Politics expertly combines conceptual clarity with analytical depth, making complex political science theories and dynamics accessible to students by grounding them in real-world European politics. For my teaching goals, the innovative data analysis exercises are especially useful, as they provide hands-on opportunities to engage directly with real-world data, significantly enhancing students' research skills and encouraging active learning. Seth Jolly, Associate Professor, Chair Department of Political Science, Syracuse University

Catherine E. De Vries is Generali Endowed Chair in European Policies and a Professor of Political Science at Bocconi University. She is the author of several books on European politics, including Euroscepticism and the Future of European Integration (OUP, 2018), Political Entrepreneurs (Princeton UP, 2020) and Money Flows: The Political Consequences of Migrant Remittances (OUP, 2024). Sara B. Hobolt is the Sutherland Chair inEuropean Institutions and professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is the author of four books on European politics, including Europe in Question (OUP, 2009), Blaming Europe? (OUP, 2014) and PoliticalEntrepreneurs (Princeton UP, 2020). Sven-Oliver Proksch is a Professor of Political Science and Chair in European and Multilevel Politics at the University of Cologne. His research interests include political representation, party politics, parliaments, and political text analysis. He is co-author of the book The Politics of Parliamentary Debates (CUP, 2015). Jonathan B. Slapin is a Professor of Political Science and Chair in Political Institutions and EuropeanPolitics at the University of Zürich. His current research focuses on European parliamentary and party politics, and his most recent book is Roll Call Rebels (CUP, 2019).

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