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      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        November 2011

        A Political Sociology of the European Union

        Reassessing constructivism

        by Emil Kirchner, Michel Mangenot, Jay Rowell, Thomas Christiansen

        The study of the European Union has historically been a theoretical battleground. Since the 1990s, new theoretical directions such as neo-institutionalism, multi-level governance and constructivism have provided a new impetus. However, despite these new inroads, empirical work has often remained sociologically and empirically underspecified. This volume seeks to bridge the gap between theory and fieldwork by developing an actor-centred political sociology. In doing so, the volume engages in a critical dialogue with the constructivist framework and proposes to build on its insights through a sociological hardening centred on European actors. The renewal of European studies through political sociology is only useful if it generates new understandings through empirical observation. This volume seeks to take a new tack on constructivism by asking what it is that Europe constructs by looking at three areas- social spaces and professions, policy 'problems' and policies and policy instruments such as the Eurobarometer. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        June 2012

        Coalition Britain

        The UK election of 2010

        by Gianfranco Baldini, Jonathan Hopkin

        The 2010 election has transformed the British political landscape, ushering in a coalition government for the first time since the Second World War, and breaking up the UK's traditional pattern of two-party dominance. This book analyses the implications of this turning point in British history, looking beyond the sound and fury of the election campaign in search of the deeper causes and long-term consequences of the 2010 poll. As well as assessing the reasons for Labour's defeat and the Conservatives' failure to win the election outright, the book also addresses the impact of the global financial crisis and the problems facing the British economy one decade into the new century. This volume will be of interest both to academic specialists, students and the interested general reader seeking insights into the rapidly changing British political scene. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        May 2012

        Coalition Britain

        The UK election of 2010

        by Gianfranco Baldini, Jonathan Hopkin

        The 2010 election has transformed the British political landscape, ushering in a coalition government for the first time since the Second World War, and breaking up the UK's traditional pattern of two-party dominance. This book analyses the implications of this turning point in British history, looking beyond the sound and fury of the election campaign in search of the deeper causes and long-term consequences of the 2010 poll. As well as assessing the reasons for Labour's defeat and the Conservatives' failure to win the election outright, the book also addresses the impact of the global financial crisis and the problems facing the British economy one decade into the new century. This volume will be of interest both to academic specialists, students and the interested general reader seeking insights into the rapidly changing British political scene. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        January 2011

        European Internal Security

        Towards supranational governance in the area of freedom, security and justice

        by Christian Kaunert, Emil Kirchner, Thomas Christiansen

        European institutions are either loathed or underestimated. This book analyses the role of EU institutions in the area of European internal security. From Justice and Home Affairs, this area has become more like a European Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. In this process, the European Commission has demonstrably played the role of an `engine of integration' in areas such a counter-terrorism, policing, asylum, migration and border management. This book uses the framework of supranational policy entrepeuners (SPE), those who stand at the policy window in order to propose, lobby for and sell `their' policy proposal, and synthesises it with insights from the literature on norm entrepreneurship. This book will be of great interest to scholars and practitioners interested in European internal security, European integration, terrorism, security studies and international relations. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        November 2009

        The time of European governance

        by Magnus Ekengren, Emil Kirchner, Thomas Christiansen, Caroline Wilding

        Newly available in paperback, this book is about the impact of European governance on the time of national policymakers and institutions. It shows how a new temporal logic has developed and the effect of this on EU and EU member state institutions. This book brings a fresh and innovative approach to the study of change in Europe. Traditional studies of European governance and integration mainly deal with spatial aspects such as sovereignty, borders and networks. Ekengren shows how new rhythms and demands on timing and a strong focus on the present have changed the decision-making process and transformed policy-planning and the view of the political 'future'. He indicates that it is in the dimension of time that European governance is most clearly expressed. By applying different theories of time to European governance, he throws new light on the study of Europe. Due to its innovative theoretical approach, this book is highly suitable for post-graduates, academics and researchers in European politics and governance. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        June 2002

        The time of European governance

        by Magnus Ekengren, Emil Kirchner, Thomas Christiansen, Caroline Wilding

        This book is about the impact of European governance on the time of national policymakers and institutions. It shows how European policymaking changes over time, how a new temporal logic has developed and the effect of this on EU institutions. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Constitution: government & the state
        July 2013

        Theory and reform in the EU

        by Chryssochoou Et Al

      • Trusted Partner
        Constitution: government & the state
        July 2013

        Theory and reform in the EU

        by Chryssochoou Et Al

      • Trusted Partner
        Constitution: government & the state
        July 2012

        Theory and reform in the EU

        by Chryssochoou Et Al

      • Trusted Partner
        Political structure & processes
        July 2013

        Towards a regional political class?

        Professional politicians and regional institutions in Catalonia and Scotland

        by Klaus Stolz

        Focussing on professional politicians Klaus Stolz investigates the interrelationship between political career patterns and political institutions in two of the most widely discussed cases of regionalism: Catalonia and Scotland. The study deals with two different yet closely related sets of questions: Firstly, how do professional politicians pursue their careers in the regional context. And secondly, how do they shape and reshape the political institutions in which they pursue these careers. The monograph is based on extensive empirical research including a comprehensive data set on the careers of Catalan and Scottish parliamentarians, systematic surveys of regional representatives as well as in-depth interviews of a wide range of politicians and experts in both regions. Exploring the effects of political professionalisation on regional democracy, Stolz goes way beyond traditional studies of regionalism and decentralization, while his focus on the regional career arena introduces a much needed territorial dimension to the study of political careers. Rich original data, innovative theoretical concepts and a strictly comparative approach are the basis for a study that considerably deepens and enhances our understanding of the tremendous political changes both Catalonia and Scotland are undergoing. Thus, the book is of interest to the still growing number of scholars concerned with devolution in the UK, the Spanish autonomous communities as well as to those interested in regional politics and regionalisation in general. Furthermore, its theoretical focus makes it highly relevant for scholars working on political careers, political professionalisation and democratic theory.

      • Trusted Partner
        Political structure & processes
        July 2013

        Towards a regional political class?

        Professional politicians and regional institutions in Catalonia and Scotland

        by Klaus Stolz

        Focussing on professional politicians Klaus Stolz investigates the interrelationship between political career patterns and political institutions in two of the most widely discussed cases of regionalism: Catalonia and Scotland. The study deals with two different yet closely related sets of questions: Firstly, how do professional politicians pursue their careers in the regional context. And secondly, how do they shape and reshape the political institutions in which they pursue these careers. The monograph is based on extensive empirical research including a comprehensive data set on the careers of Catalan and Scottish parliamentarians, systematic surveys of regional representatives as well as in-depth interviews of a wide range of politicians and experts in both regions. Exploring the effects of political professionalisation on regional democracy, Stolz goes way beyond traditional studies of regionalism and decentralization, while his focus on the regional career arena introduces a much needed territorial dimension to the study of political careers. Rich original data, innovative theoretical concepts and a strictly comparative approach are the basis for a study that considerably deepens and enhances our understanding of the tremendous political changes both Catalonia and Scotland are undergoing. Thus, the book is of interest to the still growing number of scholars concerned with devolution in the UK, the Spanish autonomous communities as well as to those interested in regional politics and regionalisation in general. Furthermore, its theoretical focus makes it highly relevant for scholars working on political careers, political professionalisation and democratic theory.

      • Trusted Partner
        Political structure & processes
        July 2012

        Towards a regional political class?

        Professional politicians and regional institutions in Catalonia and Scotland

        by Klaus Stolz

        Focussing on professional politicians Klaus Stolz investigates the interrelationship between political career patterns and political institutions in two of the most widely discussed cases of regionalism: Catalonia and Scotland. The study deals with two different yet closely related sets of questions: Firstly, how do professional politicians pursue their careers in the regional context. And secondly, how do they shape and reshape the political institutions in which they pursue these careers. The monograph is based on extensive empirical research including a comprehensive data set on the careers of Catalan and Scottish parliamentarians, systematic surveys of regional representatives as well as in-depth interviews of a wide range of politicians and experts in both regions. Exploring the effects of political professionalisation on regional democracy, Stolz goes way beyond traditional studies of regionalism and decentralization, while his focus on the regional career arena introduces a much needed territorial dimension to the study of political careers. Rich original data, innovative theoretical concepts and a strictly comparative approach are the basis for a study that considerably deepens and enhances our understanding of the tremendous political changes both Catalonia and Scotland are undergoing. Thus, the book is of interest to the still growing number of scholars concerned with devolution in the UK, the Spanish autonomous communities as well as to those interested in regional politics and regionalisation in general. Furthermore, its theoretical focus makes it highly relevant for scholars working on political careers, political professionalisation and democratic theory.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        March 2010

        Towards a regional political class?

        Professional politicians and regional institutions in Catalonia and Scotland

        by Klaus Stolz

        Focussing on professional politicians Klaus Stolz investigates the interrelationship between political career patterns and political institutions in two of the most widely discussed cases of regionalism: Catalonia and Scotland. The study deals with two different yet closely related sets of questions: Firstly, how do professional politicians pursue their careers in the regional context. And secondly, how do they shape and reshape the political institutions in which they pursue these careers. The monograph is based on extensive empirical research including a comprehensive data set on the careers of Catalan and Scottish parliamentarians, systematic surveys of regional representatives as well as in-depth interviews of a wide range of politicians and experts in both regions. Exploring the effects of political professionalisation on regional democracy, Stolz goes way beyond traditional studies of regionalism and decentralization, while his focus on the regional career arena introduces a much needed territorial dimension to the study of political careers. Rich original data, innovative theoretical concepts and a strictly comparative approach are the basis for a study that considerably deepens and enhances our understanding of the tremendous political changes both Catalonia and Scotland are undergoing. Thus, the book is of interest to the still growing number of scholars concerned with devolution in the UK, the Spanish autonomous communities as well as to those interested in regional politics and regionalisation in general. Furthermore, its theoretical focus makes it highly relevant for scholars working on political careers, political professionalisation and democratic theory. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        August 2010

        Transnational Advocacy on the Ground

        Against corruption in Russia?

        by Diana Schmidt-Pfister

        What can be done against corruption? If we trust most assessments, the global anti-corruption movement has so far not managed to markedly reduce the level of corruption, especially in the more problematic countries. This book examines the actual workings of transnational anti-corruption advocacy on the ground. In the 21st century, transnational advocacy has become ever more complex. Using the case study of contemporary Russia the book reassesses what this means for advocacy practices. It thoroughly maps the entanglement between international, national and local levels and reveals a range of obstacles posed to constructively involving civil society in practice, despite unanimous rhetorical commitment on the part of international actors and governments. The book further shows that the effectiveness of transnational advocacy is determined by both strategic action and situational contingencies. The book speaks to readers in, at least, three main fields of study: transnational advocacy, the anti-corruption movement, and Eastern Europe, particularly Russia. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        May 2012

        Semi-presidentialism in Central and Eastern Europe

        by Robert Elgie, Sophie Moestrup

        This book, newly available in paperback, examines the extent to which semi-presidentialism has affected the process of democratization in Central and Eastern Europe since the early 1990s. The standard academic wisdom is that semi-presidentialism, where there is both a directly elected president and a prime minister who is responsible for the legislature, is a risky choice for nascent democracies because of the in-built potential for conflict between the president and the prime minister. This book demonstrates that semi-presidential regimes can operate in quite different ways, some with very strong presidents, some with strong prime ministers and ceremonial presidents and some with a balance of presidential and prime ministerial powers. In particular, the book analyses the specific impact of the various forms of semi-presidentialism that can be found in Central and Eastern Europe. With chapters on Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine, the book explores whether some forms of semi-presidentialism are more conducive to democratisation than others. It also looks at how semi-presidentialism may have helped democracy to survive and examines its impact on government performance in terms of stability and policy-making. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        November 2009

        Has devolution worked?

        The verdict from policy-makers and the public

        by John Curtice, Bed Seyd

        Devolution to Scotland and Wales represented the most fundamental reform of the British state for almost a century. Ten years on, how successful has the reform been? Drawing on the views of citizens, elected representatives and interest groups in Scotland and Wales, this book provides an answer. The book is based on a wide ranging programme of research, involving dedicated surveys and interviews across Scotland, Wales and England. The results provide important new evidence on how devolution has been seen to have performed. What are its perceived achievements? What are its shortcomings? Is the new devolution 'settlement' stable, or is there a demand for further reform? By bringing together perspectives from the public, members of the devolved legislatures and representatives of civil society, the book establishes a unique picture of where devolution in Britain stands today. The book is accessibly written, and contains a wide range of useful primary data. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying devolution in Britain, as well as for general readers with an interest in constitutional reform and territorial politics. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Political structure & processes
        May 2007

        Devolution and constitutional change in Northern Ireland

        by Edited by Paul Carmichael, Colin Knox and Robert Osborne

        This edited book, written by a collection of scholars with an interest in Northern Ireland, tracks its uneasy experience with devolution following the optimistic political period associated with the 1998 Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. The volume brings together researchers from the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) 'Devolution and Constitutional Change' Programme and other experts to record four key perspectives on Northern Ireland. First, it considers the inextricable link between devolution and constitutional developments. Second, it examines how the main political parties responded to devolution and the major challenges faced by society in moving beyond conflict (such as political symbolism, the role of women, equality and human rights issues). Third, it attempts to assess some of the workings of devolved government in its short-lived form or those seeded in devolution and carried on by direct rule ministers. Finally, Northern Irelands devolved government and associated institutions are located within the wider relationships with Westminster, the Republic of Ireland and Europe. This edited volume will be of interest to students of Irish politics and public policy, but more generally, from a comparative perspective, those with an interest in devolution and constitutional change. It may even assist politicians in Northern Ireland to reflect on the real potential to restore its devolved institutions and draw back from the brink of permanently copper-fastening 'direct rule' from Westminster.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        November 2010

        Devolution and the governance of Northern Ireland

        by Colin Knox

        This book offers the first account of what the First Minister, Peter Robinson, describes as the most settled period of devolution in Northern Ireland for almost forty years. It traces the tortuous path to devolved government, the political instability which constantly threatened the institutions, and since May 2007 the bedding down of devolution and its impact so far on the people of Northern Ireland. The book parallels accounts of devolved government in Scotland and Wales. For years Northern Ireland has been the subject of academic enquiry relating to political, constitutional and security issues. Now as a post-conflict society political parties which for years engaged in the politics of antagonism must now redirect their efforts to delivering public policies that will improve the quality of people's daily lives. This has not come easily to them. This book is therefore the first study which looks at devolved power sharing governance arrangements in Northern Ireland and a sequel to Derek Birrell's book Direct Rule and the Governance of Northern Ireland. Manchester: Manchester University Press (2009) The book contains chapters on the key governance institutions: the civil service, local government, non-departmental public bodies, and the vibrant third sector in Northern Ireland. It examines in some detail the major review of public administration ongoing since 2002 and the more recent public services modernising agenda. Importantly, given the sectarian divisions which have segregated every aspect of life in Northern Ireland, the book asks the key question whether it is possible to reconcile the two communities or are they destined to live 'separate but equal' lives. Finally, the book considers topical issues which are at the early stages of implementation: community planning and central-local relations. This book will be of interest to students of devolution across the UK and beyond. It will also be relevant for those researchers working in the area of post-conflict societies. ;

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