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This important new textbook centres on the theme of the state in Europe, its structures and policy capacity, and its relation to civil society. After an introductory chapter addressing issues such as conceptions of the state, bureaucracy, interest groups, patronage and political currents, the book continues with chapters focusing on four large, well-established democracies - the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany. This is followed by a chapter on Spain, a historic state that has chosen Europe as its theme and guide for its efforts at political, economic and social modernization. Each of these chapters includes discussions of state and government in the country concerned, parties and elections, policy making and territorial policies. The volume concludes with an assessment of European integration, the structure of the Community, and its aims and policies. The text incorporates extensive data on policy and politics, in the form of tables and charts, as well as additional information in the statistical index, so as to encourage students to make their own judgements and to learn to assess and interpret quantitative material.