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This work provides a comprehensive account of the changing political map of Europe as it emerges from the Cold War. After considering the different types of states and nations that have existed, the volume focuses on the changing forms of democracy, and the shift from public ownership and planning to privatization and deregulated competition in Europe. Further chapters explore challenges to party systems and elections from the emergence of new social movements and organized interest groups. In addition, political and bureaucratic structures are examined, as well as the new constitutionalism reflected in the increasing role of the judiciary. Finally, the book concentrates on a number of key themes in European politics: the changing basis of foreign and security policy, the role of industrial champion firms and the retreat from the welfare state. Throughout, the authors' treatment is comparative and the role of major states is specifically discussed along with the increasing part played by the European Union. This allows the authors to avoid both exaggerating the common features of the patterns that have emerged in contemporary Europe and capitulating to the complexity of enduring differences.