Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-194).

Section 1 Events, groups and developments -- Section 2 Biographies -- Section 3 Abbreviations -- Political parties -- European and cross-national organisations -- Miscellaneous -- Section 4 Chronologies -- United Kingdom -- General elections and changes of government -- General -- France -- The Fourth Republic -- The transition to the Fifth Republic and the Algerian issue -- The Fifth Republic: general -- The Fifth Republic: elections and changes of government -- Germany -- Bundestag elections, changes of government and election of federal presidents -- The division and reunification of Germany -- General -- Italy -- General -- Elections and changes of government -- Spain -- General -- The transition to democracy -- Elections and changes of government -- Smaller democracies -- Europe -- Integration -- General -- Section 5 Data relating to political systems -- The countries of Western Europe -- Austria -- Belgium -- Denmark -- Finland -- France -- Germany -- Greece -- Iceland -- Ireland -- Italy -- Luxembourg -- Malta -- The Netherlands -- Norway -- Portugal -- Spain -- Sweden -- Switzerland -- United Kingdom -- International organisations in Western Europe Council of Europe -- European Union (EU) -- North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) -- Selected references.

Preface; Section 1 Events, groups and developments; Section 2 Biographies; Section 3 Abbreviations; Section 4 Chronologies; Section 5 Data relating to political systems; Selected references.

"This book is an essential reference guide for students of West European politics and West European area studies. A perfect companion to European politics today (by the same authors), it contains details of major events, political leaders, important dates, organisations and recent elections, all in an accessible, easy-to-read format. A comprehensive reference work, the book also provides a sound historical background for students of contemporary Europe. It covers the information and terms of reference students need to know to understand developments in European politics from the Second World War to the present day. Much of the book is devoted to those European countries most often featured in comparative courses in colleges and universities: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain as well as the European Union. Also included are details of personalities and events which have proved decisive for smaller and less familiar European democracies. From Resistance leaders to presidents, civil wars to scandals, the forces shaping the Europe of today are detailed in this book. This book is ideal for undergraduate students on politics, European studies and area studies courses"--Publisher's description.

Print version record.

English.

Open Access EbpS