ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with overall security and peace, before dealing with the internal functioning of European States. The viability of the new European democracies depends, in part, upon international developments, as it did after 1945 when the Marshall Plan was implemented by the United States of America (USA) in order to help democracy in West Europe. It looks at how they and trade unions organize in European countries. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe passed through a terrible economic crisis immediately after their move to democracy. Democratic freedoms give individuals and group the opportunity to organize and promote their particular interests. The book focuses on the actual work of parliaments and presidents, rather than on purely constitutional relationships. Governments may formulate public policies to meet voter aspirations but depend on the permanent bureaucracy to implement them.
