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The history of Britain's complex relationship with Europe, untangled. Is Britain a part of Europe? The British have been ambivalent on this question since the Second World War, when the Western European nations sought to prevent the return of fascism by creating strong international ties throughout the Continent. Britain reluctantly joined the Common Market, the European Community, and ultimately the European Union, but its decades of membership never quite led it to accept a European orientation. In the view of the distinguished political scientist Vernon Bogdanor, the question of Britain's relationship to Europe is rooted in "the prime conflict of our time," the dispute between the competing faiths of liberalism and nationalism. This concise, expertly guided tour provides the essential background to the struggle over Brexit.

The general election of 2010 and the formation of the coalition -- Formation of the coalition -- Governing with a coalition -- "England does not love coalitions" -- Electoral reform and the alternative vote -- Fixed-term parliaments -- A new world? : multi-party politics and coalition government

Even at the dawn of the 21st century, Britain remains in a state of transition, between a world which is dead and one still struggling to be born. Featuring a stellar collection of contributors, this book considers each post-war prime minister, examining how they have dealt with Britain's changing role.