The close of the twentieth century has brought changes to Europe of such magnitude that some predict the return of the Age of Europe. In this timely update of Politics in Wesern Europe, editors Gerald A. Dorfman and Peter J. Duignan and numerous distinguished contributors examine the events leading to the tumultuous changes and the impact these changes will have on the peoples of Western Europe. This new edition includes a fresh study of the history of European efforts to defend and unite twelve independent nations into one common market from 1946 to 1992. Another essay examines the partitioning and reunification of Germany and how German unification will affect the rest of Europe and the United States. In addition, the authors analyze how the fall of the Iron Curtain and the demise of communism may affect the countries of Western Europe. This comprehensive work features new chapters on Ireland and Greece; updated chapters on Great Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Austria; in addition to chapters on the Nordic countries and Switzerland. Politics in Western Europe offers valuable insights for students, journalists, diplomats, and the international business community.