«The second edition of this very successful textbook updates and expands its coverage of the many facets of life in Europe in the new century. It retains the strengths of the first edition with its focus on both East and West but expands its coverage of the themes of convergence and divergence, and includes a new chapter on the European Economy. It asks «what is Europe» and «where is Europe going?» and challenges preconceived notions and glib generalizations.»