This fully updated fourth edition of European Politics expertly and accessibly surveys the history, institutions, and issues that are essential for understanding contemporary European politics.

Exploring a central question—"what is Europe?"—this book’s thematic approach helps students compare politics in individual countries and see the political big picture in the region. It examines not only countries that are (or were) in the European Union but also those eligible to join, to give students the most comprehensive picture of Europe's evolution in a globalized world.

Key updates in this edition:

• coverage of the invasion of Ukraine and its implications on European security, foreign policy challenges including China and the Middle East, economics and COVID-19, the rise of nationalist-populist parties, refugees/migrants and multiculturalism, environmentalism and climate policy, US–European relations, and security threats emanating within Europe and beyond;
• a consolidated presentation on the European Union with fully updated data;
• public opinion and recent election data analysis throughout.

This timely, in-depth text will be essential reading for anyone interested in European politics.