Future of the European Union

Please Do Question 2 & 4
Draw your answers from the information in the readings/class notes/videos when applicable.
You do not need to officially cite your sources in the text or at the end of your exam. If you are mentioning a reading, you can write the name of the author in your text.
For every question, please write about 2 (maximum 3) pages double-spaced answers 12 font. Write your answers in sentences and paragraphs, and make sure to break your answers into different
ESSAY QUESTIONS (CHOOSE 2 OUT OF THE OPTIONS 1,2,3,4)
For every question, please write an approximately 2 (maximum 3) pages double-spaced, 12 font, answer. You can go slightly over the suggested page length, or you can write slightly shorter as well. For more instructions, please refer to the previous page. Each question is worth 35 points. I have marked different prompts within each question for clarity purposes. You do not need to use colors in your answers. Each question has several prompts. Make sure to answer all these parts in the questions you choose to answer. Please structure your answer based on these prompts and write in paragraphs.
1) Political parties in Europe are diverse in many ways, and many countries have numerous political parties in their legislatures. First, identify two types among the main party families in Europe and give examples from specific countries. (8 points) What are some general trends of party politics in Europe? How are some mainstream parties doing electorally in some European countries? Be specific and give examples (assigned material is also useful in addition to the slides). (15 points) Finally, what does populism mean as an ideology and as a strategy? (4 points) How is illiberal populism be at odds with democracy? (4 points) What countries in Europe have had prevalent populist parties recently? Be specific. (4 points). (Total: 35 points)
2) Do you think we are likely to witness more unity or less unity in Europe/European Union in the future? Explain your reasoning, thinking about challenges including democracy, the responses to the war in Ukraine, the climate change issues, energy independence and populism in some countries. Be specific and make sure to justify your reasoning. (35 points) Make sure to refer to assigned readings (ex: Dennison/Week 10), in addition to the lectures in your answer.
3) Welfare states have important public policy outcomes, especially regarding distribution and redistribution of resources. First, define what welfare states are (4 points), and list the main pillars of welfare states (5 points). What is an important outcome of welfare states, and how is it measured? (Hint: there are two subtypes of this measure and think of the graphs shown). Please be specific. How does it help us understand the different types of welfare states in Europe? (9 points) Finally, what are the three main categories of welfare states in Europe (in other words the three worlds of welfare capitalism, categorized by Esping-Andersen)? Briefly list a country example for each category. (12 points) Make sure to refer to lectures/readings on this issue (e.g., Garland book chapter). How is the British economy doing right now, in terms of living standards for people? Be specific. (5 points)
4) What are some determinants/factors of the vote for Brexit (in other words: the Leave vote)? (Here, make sure to refer to at least two relevant readings – one from Week 9 and one from Week 8) (12 points) What are some important economic consequences, as discussed in some videos that were assigned? (8 points) What economic and political challenges remain? (Think of issues related to Northern Ireland and Scotland and elaborate on those) (15 points)