EURO: A Concise Introduction to Europe's Single Currency Book

In describing the origins, current state, and prospects of the euro, Hosli (international relations, U. of Leiden, the Netherlands) also seeks to illustrate links between political and economic forces in the creation of the European Monetary Union (EMU). He describes how the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system established after World War II to stabilize international monetary and financial systems led to demands for European monetary unification, and he explores the structure and modes of operation of the European Monetary System that existed from 1979 until the start of the EMU in 1999. He descibes the transition to the EMU and then turns to the institutional structures of the European System of Central Banks and the European Central Bank, the fiscal implications of monetary integration, and future prospects, including the possible effects of EMU enlargement, the euro's likely performance against the dollar, and its possible role in international monetary affairs. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Soundview Executive Book Summaries

In The Euro, international relations professor Madeleine O. Hosli follows the euro's path from the political and economic factors that led to the establishment of the European Economic and Monetary Union to how the euro actually functions. While examining the impact of the euro within Europe and on the international monetary system, Hosli presents the treaties, structures and policies that make the euro work. She also presents an understandable guide to exchange rates, monetary policy, and the structure of the European Central Bank System. Copyright © 2006 Soundview Executive Book Summaries