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Email: daniela.callus@um.edu.mt
This book presents a theoretical framework to discuss how
Governments coordinate budgeting decisions. There are two modes of fiscal governance conducive to greater fiscal discipline, a mode of delegation and a mode of contracts. These modes contrast with a fiefdom form of governance, in which the decision-making process is decentralized. An important insight is that the effectiveness of a given form of fiscal governance depends crucially upon the underlying political system. Additional chapters consider why countries have the fiscal institutions that they do, fiscal governance in Central and Eastern Europe, and the role of such institutions in the European Union.
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Social policy is constantly evolving in the European Union and is closely intertwined with other EU policy areas. Since publication of the 2nd edition of this well received text, we have seen the enlargement of the union and increased debate about how to adapt its institutional structures to reflect its extended membership. The third edition takes account of these new factors, as well as debates about the constitution, the need for more open European governance and citizenship rights. It continues to offer a compact, clear and authoritative account of social policy formation and implementation across the
European Union.
POLITICAL PARTIES AND PARTY SYSTEMS
This is an introduction to the study of political parties and party systems. It focuses primarily on liberal democracies and the approach is a comparative one. The book's aim is to explain to students of politics how and why parties and party systems differ from one country to another. However, it also seeks to provide a more detailed understanding of party politics in five particular countries. Most of the chapters are divided into two sections. In the first section general themes and arguments about a topic are introduced, and examples from a large number of countries are discussed in relation to it. In the second section, particular attention is paid to five of the largest liberal democracies - Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

European legislation affects countless aspects of daily life in modern Europe but just how does the European Union make such significant legislative decisions? How important are the formal decision-making procedures in defining decision outcomes and how important is the bargaining that takes place among the actors involved? Using a combination of detailed evidence and theoretical rigour, this 2006 volume addresses these questions and others that are central to understanding how the EU works in practice. It focuses on the practice of day-to-day decision-making in Brussels and the interactions that take place among the Member States in the Council and among the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. A unique data set of actual Commission proposals are examined against which the authors develop, apply and test a range of explanatory models of decision-making.
New or recently sterilized islands provide ecologists with natural experiments in which to study colonization, development and establishment of new biological communities.
Studies carried out on islands like this have provided answers to fundamental questions as to what general principles are involved in the ecology of communities and what processes underlie and maintain the basic structure of ecosystems. These studies are vital for conservation biology, especially when evolutionary processes need to be maintained in systems in order to maintain biodiversity. The major themes are how animal and plant communities establish, particularly on 'new land' or following extirpations by volcanic activity. This book comprises a broad review of island colonization, bringing together succession models and general principles, case studies with which Professor Ian Thornton was intimately involved, and a synthesis of ideas, concluding with a look to the future for similar studies.
Lewis Anthony Dexter (1915 -1995) pioneered the use of specialized interviewing as a tool in the social sciences. He argued that interviewing persons who have specialized information about, or who have involvement with, any social or political processes is different from standardized interviewing. In 'elite' interviewing the investigator must be willing to let the interviewee teach him what the problem, the question, or the situation is. He demonstrated that interviewing was a useful tool, but he also argued that it was not always the most appropriate method for revealing the information required. In Elite and Specialized Interviewing decades of his practical experience, of both how to interview and how to use interviews, was distilled into a readable, yet rigorously analytical, book. First published in 1969, it remains as good a guide to the subject as the 21st century researcher can find. The late Lewis Dexter undertook extensive policy research throughout his career in addition to holding visiting professorships at numerous universities. He was the author of several books including The Sociology and Politics of
Congress (1969), The Tyranny of Schooling: An Enquiry into the Problem of 'Stupidity'
(1964) and (as co-author) American Business and Public Policy (1963), which won the prestigious Woodrow Wilson prize. In addition, he wrote dozens of articles published in both professional and academic journals.

This text offers a completely fresh approach to Italian politics by placing it in its historical, institutional, social and international contexts. Students will get to grips with the theories and concepts of comparative politics and how they apply specifically to
Italy, while gaining real insight into more controversial topics such as the Mafia, corruption and the striking success of Berlusconi. The textbook uses clear and simple language to critically analyse Italy's institutions, its political culture, parties and interest groups, public policy, and its place in the international system. Often regarded as an anomaly, Italy is frequently described in terms of 'crisis', 'instability' and 'alienation'.
Sceptical of these conventional accounts, Newell argues that, if understood in its own terms, the Italian political system is just as effective as other established democracies.
With features including text boxes and further reading suggestions, this is an unbeatable introduction to the politics of Italy.
In "Usable Theory", distinguished sociologist Dietrich Rueschemeyer shows graduate students and researchers how to construct theory frames and use them to develop valid empirical hypotheses in the course of empirical social and political research.
Combining new ideas as well as analytic tools derived from classic and recent theoretical traditions, the book enlarges the rationalist model of action by focusing on knowledge, norms, preferences, and emotions, and it discusses larger social formations that shape elementary forms of action. Throughout, "Usable Theory" seeks to mobilize the implicit theoretical social knowledge used in everyday life. It offers tools for theory building in social and political research. It complements the rationalist model of action with discussions of knowledge, norms, preferences, and emotions. It relates theoretical ideas to problems of methodology. It situates elementary forms of action in relation to larger formations. It combines new ideas with themes from classic and more recent theories.
This book analyses the patterns of migration flow since the end of the Cold War and relates these to political and policymaking processes at EU level and among EU member states. It delivers an original and innovative perspective on the new dynamics of migration policy and the policy dilemmas facing European politicians.

Every day thousands of decisions are made by all kinds of committees, parliaments, councils and boards by a 'yes-no' voting process. Sometimes a committee can only accept or reject the proposals submitted to it for a decision. On other occasions, committee members have the possibility of modifying the proposal and bargaining an agreement prior to the vote. In either case, what rule should be used if each member acts on behalf of a different-sized group? It seems intuitively clear that if the groups are of different sizes then a symmetric rule (e.g. the simple majority or unanimity) is not suitable. The question then arises of what voting rule should be used. Voting and Collective Decision-Making addresses this and other issues through a study of the theory of bargaining and voting power, showing how it applies to real decision-making contexts.
Why is the EU so reliant upon exchanges with interest organisations? What safeguards have been developed to prevent capture by special interests, and how effective are these? How does the EU system of interest representation compare with those of other systems, and what are its unique features? The fully revised third edition of this highly-acclaimed book provides an authoritative and comprehensive assessment of the role of organized interests in the EU. Showing that interest representation is a key aspect of the European project, it examines the significance of interests for everyday policy-making, for European integration, and for the democratic legitimacy of the EU. Accessibly written and thoroughly updated, the new edition contains additional material on the regulation of lobbying and the
European Transparency Register.
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN MODERN EUROPE
Combining rigorous empirical data with an accessible and engaging writing style,
"Representative Government in Modern Europe" is one of the leading textbook on comparative European politics. The fifth edition reflects key events and changes including the impact of the world financial and economic crisis; the EU's adoption of the Lisbon Treaty; and, the election of a centre-right governments in Germany and the UK. Retaining its comprehensive thematic approach to Europe as an integrated whole, while reflecting the continued importance of the EU, the new edition explores the key themes emerging in European politics: the importance of political leadership, the rise of the populist and extreme right, the personalisation of politics, ethnicity, citizen participation.

For thirty years, Hezbollah has played a pivotal role in Lebanese and global politics.
That visibility has invited Hezbollah's lionization and vilification by outside observers, and at the same time has prevented a clear-eyed view of Hezbollah's place in the history of the Middle East and its future course of action. Dominique
Avon and Anais-Trissa Khatchadourian provide here a nonpartisan account which offers insights into Hezbollah that Western media have missed or misunderstood.
The new edition of this accessible introduction to the history of the European
Union (EU) has been fully revised and updated to reflect the significant changes within the EU over the past decade. The book is ideal introductory reading for those new to the study of the EU who want a concise and up-to-date account of the political and economic development of the EU. The book: provides a general history of European economic and political integration from 1945-2007; outlines the major schools of thought regarding the causes of European integration; considers the economic and political reasons for establishing supranational organizations; discusses other European organizations created since 1945; and, has lots of new material on the Euro, enlargement of the EU, the constitutional debate, EU foreign policy and other key recent developments.
This book focuses on two important elements: numerical budgetary rules and independent fiscal institutions. The role of these institutional arrangements in shaping budgetary outcomes as well as some specific country experiences are analysed and assessed throughout this volume, leading to conclusions on the instrumental character of these devices in promoting sound and sustainable fiscal policy.

Where does Europe fit in the emerging world of rapidly developing countries and deep interconnections between different poles of power? This study provides a global framework for understanding Europe's competitive position in this very different environment. Authors Daniel S. Hamilton and Joseph P. Quinlan map the flows of people, money, goods, services, and ideas that connect Europe to other key global powers. They compare Europe's relative strengths and weaknesses with other key competitors and partners. Finally, they recommend key actions that could be taken at
EU and member-state level to improve the European Unions's competitiveness compared to other G20 powers and make the EU a more attractive place to invest and do business.
LOBBYING IN THE NEW EUROPE
Klemens Joos Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH
The publication helps to guide companies through the intricacies of Brussels and offers an insight into the complex but diverse and interesting service of lobbying. It is designed as a practical tool especially for decision-makers and executives in companies. Numerous figures and tables illustrate the text. Main topics include the characteristics of lobbying at the European level, taking account of the changes brought about by the Treaty of Lisbon, the notion of a lobbyist's "practical tools" and finally suggestions for a company's strategic positioning vis-a-vis decision makers in the European legislature and executive.
The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) is central to Economic and Monetary Union
(EMU) in Europe. Initiated by Germany in 1995 and adopted in 1997, it regulates the fiscal policies of European Union Member States. Following numerous violations of its deficit reference value, the Pact's Excessive Deficit Procedure was suspended in 2003. The decision to suspend was brought before the European
Court of Justice in 2004 and the SGP then underwent painstaking reform in 2005.
After a period of economic prosperity and falling budgetary deficits, the global economic crisis put the system under renewed stress. Originally published in 2010,
Ruling Europe presents the first comprehensive analysis of the political history of the SGP as the cornerstone of EMU. It examines the SGP through different theoretical lenses, offering a fascinating study of European integration and institutional design. One cannot understand the Euro without first understanding the SGP.

This extended essay on the constitution for Europe represents Habermas's constructive engagement with the European project at a time when the crisis of the
Eurozone is threatening the very existence of the European Union. There is a growing realization that the European treaty needs to be revised in order to deal with the structural defects of monetary union, but a clear perspective for the future is missing. Drawing on his analysis of European unification as a process in which international treaties have progressively taken on features of a democratic constitution, Habermas explains why the current proposals to transform the system of European governance into one of executive federalism is a mistake. His central argument is that the European project must realize its democratic potential by evolving from an international into a cosmopolitan community. The opening essay on the role played by the concept of human dignity in the genealogy of human rights in the modern era throws further important light on the philosophical foundations of Habermas's theory of how democratic political institutions can be extended beyond the level of nation-states. Now that the question of Europe and its future is once again at the centre of public debate, this important intervention by one of the greatest thinkers of our time will be of interest to a wide readership.
This volume explores the evolution of science communication, addressing key issues and offering substance for future study. Harnessing the energies of junior scholars on the forefront of science communication, this work pushes the boundaries of research forward, allowing scholars to sample the multiple paradigms and agendas that will play a role in shaping the future of science communication.
Jason Manolopoulos lends a unique perspective, based on experience of the global financial system, emerging markets and crises, European politics and
Greek society, to demonstrate how one of the EU's smaller countries played a catalytic role in a crisis that threatens the future of the euro, and possibly even of the European Union itself. He digs beneath the headline economic data to explore the historical legacy and psychological biases that have shaped an ongoing political drama, in a book that has profound implications for our understanding of economics, as well as the policy choices for Europe's elite.

The fully revised and updated new edition of this textbook continues to provide the most accessible overview of the main approaches in the study of public policy. It seeks to review the most common and widely used frameworks in the study of policy analysis: institutions groups and networks society and the economy individual interests ideas. The book explains each one, offers constructive criticisms and explores their claims in the light of a variety of American, British and
European examples. Arguing that no one framework offers a comprehensive explanation of public policy; John suggests a synthesis based on different aspects of the approaches, introducing concepts/approaches of advocacy coalitions, punctuated equilibrium and evolution as more effective ways to understand public policy. Combining both a clear summary of debates in public policy and a new and original approach to the subject, this book remains essential reading for students of public policy and policy analysis.
Studying Public Policy examines three dimensions of efforts to engage and resolve public problems: policy actors, institutions, and ideas. Using this focus, the book overviews past efforts to understand public policy-making, outlines the different stages of the policy-making process, and discusses the principal elements and patterns of policy dynamics. Developing an analytical framework of the subject, the text examines the theoretical and conceptual foundations of, and approaches used in, policy sciences giving students a solid basis for understanding public policy. This edition has been fully updated with new developments in the field and revised with clear language and an easy-to-understand structure, making it the most current, student-friendly resource available.
Walter Laqueur was one of the few experts who predicted Europe's current financial and political crisis when he wrote "The Last Days of Europe" six years ago. Now this master historian takes readers inside the European crisis that he foresaw. Ravaged by the world economic meltdown, increasingly dependent on imported oil and gas, and lacking a common foreign policy, Europe is in dire straits. With the authority that comes from thirty years of experience as an expert on political affairs, the author predicts the future prospects of this troubled continent. Europe is the United States' closest ally, and its prosperity is vital to
American's success and security. This is a must-read for anyone invested in our country's future.

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Frank R. Baumgartner and Bryan D. Jones refine their influential argument and expand it to illuminate the workings of democracies beyond the United States. The authors retain all the substance of their contention that short-term, single-issue analysis cast public policy too narrowly as the result of comfortable and dependable arrangements among politicians, interest groups, and the media. Baumgartner and
Jones provide a different interpretation by taking the long view of several issues - including nuclear energy, urban affairs, smoking, and auto safety - to demonstrate that bursts of rapid, unpredictable policy change punctuate the patterns of stability more frequently associated with government. Featuring a new introduction and two additional chapters, this updated edition ensures that their findings will remain a touchstone of policy studies for many years to come.
“The Rise and Fall of Arab Presidents for Life" exposes for the first time the origins and dynamics of a governmental system that largely defined the Arab Middle East in the twentieth century. Roger Owen explores the main features of the prototypical
Arab monarchical regime: its household; its inner circle of corrupt cronies; and its attempts to create a popular legitimacy based on economic success, a manipulated constitution, managed elections, and information suppression. Why has the Arab world suffered such a concentration of permanent presidential government? Though post-Soviet Central Asia has also known monarchical presidencies, Owen argues that a significant reason is the 'Arab demonstration effect,' whereby close ties across the Arab world have enabled ruling families to share management strategies and assistance. But this effect also explains why these presidencies all came under the same pressure to reform or go. Owen discusses the huge popular opposition the presidential systems engendered during the Arab Spring, and the political change that ensued, while also delineating the challenges the Arab revolutions face across the Middle East and North Africa.
Building on his work as a leading member of the renowned Research on Money and Finance group, Costas Lapavitsas presents a searing critique of the neoliberal nature of the Eurozone and ruthlessly dissects the roots of the current financial turmoil and the European debt crisis. Lapavitsas argues that European austerity is contradictory because it leads to recession, and worsens the burden of debt, further imperilling banks and the monetary union itself. Controversially, Lapavitsas suggests that impoverished states would be wise to quit the Euro and pursue debtor-led, sovereign and democratic default that would lead to deep cancellation
. of debt. Lapavitsas envisages a restructuring relying on the forces of organized labor and civil society, drawing on the theoretical tradition of political economy and heterodox economics, and treading a careful path between declining Europeanism and nascent nationalism

Why are hopes fading for a single European identity? Economic integration has advanced faster and further than predicted, yet the European sense of 'who we are' is fragmenting. Exploiting decades of permissive consensus, Europe's elites designed and completed the single market, the euro, the Schengen passportfree zone, and, most recently, crafted an extraordinarily successful policy of enlargement. At the same time, these attempts to de-politicize politics, to create
Europe by stealth, have produced a political backlash. This ambitious survey of identity in Europe captures the experiences of the winners and losers, optimists and pessimists, movers and stayers in a Europe where spatial and cultural borders are becoming ever more permeable. A full understanding of Europe's ambivalence, refracted through its multiple identities, lies at the intersection of competing European political projects and social processes.
What impulse prompted some newspapers to attribute the murder of 77
Norwegians to Islamic extremists, until it became evident that a right-wing
Norwegian terrorist was the perpetrator? Why did Switzerland, a country of four minarets, vote to ban those structures? How did a proposed Muslim cultural centre in lower Manhattan ignite a fevered political debate across the United
States? In "The New Religious Intolerance", Martha C. Nussbaum surveys such developments and identifies the fear behind these reactions. Drawing inspiration from philosophy, history, and literature, she suggests a route past this limiting response and toward a more equitable, imaginative, and free society. Fear,
Nussbaum writes, is 'more narcissistic than other emotions.' Legitimate anxieties become distorted and displaced, driving laws and policies biased against those different from us. Overcoming intolerance requires consistent application of universal principles of respect for conscience. Just as important, it requires greater understanding. Nussbaum challenges us to embrace freedom of religious observance for all, extending to others what we demand for ourselves. She encourages us to expand our capacity for empathetic imagination by cultivating our curiosity, seeking friendship across religious lines, and establishing a consistent ethic of decency and civility. With this greater understanding and respect, Nussbaum argues, we can rise above the politics of fear and toward a more open and inclusive future.