Politics and policy in the European Community /

George has written a useful monograph on the political tensions within the European Community in a number of important policy areas-energy, agriculture, economic and monetary integration, regional policy issues, and external relations. The origins of these tensions are traced to the constraints imposed by the interrelated contexts of national and international politics and economics. Despite the book's brevity, its treatment of highly complex events and issues never succumbs to oversimplification; essential details are deftly woven into a perceptive narrative of the development of Community policies. Its explicit intention is to contribute to the assessment of the neofunctionalist theory of European integration, but its real value lies in the relatively atheoretical analysis of the dynamics of political actors at all levels and their conflicting interests. Highly recommended for those looking for a readable, brief, and intelligent introduction to Community affairs. College audiences.-J.B. Freyman, Transylvania University