What is Europe? Who is European? And how is the very idea of Europe created? Looking at its past, present and future, this interdisciplinary book provides a comprehensive introduction to Europe. It discusses the key issues in European politics, culture and society, and provides a historical overview of the creation of the idea of Europe, with particular attention to the process of European integration. Section one examines the historical roots of Europe, from its Graeco-Roman heritage and Christian traditions, to the creation of the European Union. Section two looks at key ideas such as political integration, the common market, and issues of European citizenship. Section three focuses on the concept of European identity, and discusses issues of ethnicity and gender, while Section four concludes with a discussion of issues of justice, human rights and the role of European courts.
