European Politics: A Comparative Introduction

by Jens Meijen, Tim Bale

Overview

Comparative in approach and organised around key themes, such as the media, political participation and elections, European Politics guides you through the political institutions, processes and issues that matter in Europe today. In this fifth edition, Tim Bale and new co-author Jens Meijen build on this well-established text to include extensive coverage of recent events and current political trends in Europe's fast-changing landscape.

With debating boxes, country profiles, up-to-date scholarship, data and examples, this textbook is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to develop their understanding of Europe's politics. It is suitable for use on Comparative European Politics and European Union Politics courses, as well as courses on Comparative Politics more broadly.

This new edition offers:
- More Central and Eastern European examples and case studies
- Updated coverage of recent events including the climate emergency, the cost of living crisis and rampant inflation, the ongoing fallout from Brexit, and Europe's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Full analysis of the most pressing issues in Europe today, including sustainability, digitalization, disinformation, populism and citizen participation.

Accompanying resources for supporting teaching and learning can be found at www.bloomsburyonlineresources.com/european-politics-5e

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350414075
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/13/2025
Series:	Comparative Government and Politics
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	512
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Tim Bale is Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Europe – a continent in the making
2. The end of the nation state?
3. From government to governance – running the state, making policy and policing the constitution
4. Governments and parliaments – a long way from equality
5. Parties – how the past affects the present, and an uncertain future
6. Elections, voting and referendums – systems, turnout, preferences and unpredictability
7. The media – player and recorder
8. Participation and pressure politics – civil society, organized interests and social movements
9. Not wanted, but needed – migrants and minorities
10. Europe's changing place in the World