This book offers an overview of European society and addresses crucial topics that have affected its history and will determine its future: population and migration; boundaries and nationalism; the urban experience and its role in history; churches, religious pluralism, fundamentalism; language; universities, from their medieval origins to contemporary mass higher education, and other knowledge institutions; political systems, parliaments, governments; inequality and welfare; economic integration and markets. The authors do not dwell on the past but rather look to the future and what the Old Continent wishes to become, and thus outline a profile for Europe’s potential place in the world in the 21st century.

Alessandro Cavalli formerly taught Sociology at the University of Pavia.

Alberto Martinelli is professor emeritus of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Milan.