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Presents the results of a cross-national analysis of citizenship and participation among citizens in twelve European democracies. This book offers the first empirical investigation of the relationships both between social and political involvement, and between 'small-scale' and 'large-scale' democracies.

A major feature of the political development of western democracies is the growth of indigenous, ethnic and national groups striving for political self-determination. This book analyses the institutional responses individual governments have made to these demands.

Explores and presents the influence of contextual factors on the choice of electoral systems for parliamentary elections in both democracies and non-democracies around the world. This book provides the frequency of the adoption of electoral formulas and systems in the postwar era, followed by a theoretical elaboration of electoral system choice.

Deals with the reasons and consequences of the so called 'democratic deficit' in a systematic way that enables the reader to develop a well-rounded sense of the area and its main debates. This book is suitable for students of political science, sociology, cultural studies, and comparative politics.

Intends to explain the divergent political pathways of twenty six post-communist states, following the breakdown and eventual collapse of communism in 1989-1991. Considering the trajectories of individual states between 1990-2007, this book challenges two central bodies of theory relating to democratization and regime change.

Examines the international dimensions of democratization processes, showing the degree to which international actors have an influence on what were once thought of as domestic processes of political change. This book covers areas such as: Portugal and Spain in Europe in the 1970s; and, Eastern and Central Europe in the 1990s.

Compares and explores how social democratic governments had to adapt to globalization, European integration, and social change; and whether they successfully managed to uphold old social democratic goals and values in light of the devaluation of traditional policy instruments.

This is the first study of the controversial new trends of gender quotas now emerging in global politics, presenting a comprehensive overview of changes in women's parliamentary representation across the world.

Analyzing the influence of business in democratic politics, this book outlines a theoretical model of the role of information and its asymmetric supply for business actors' ability to influence policy. It identifies the institutional and behavioural factors affecting business' informational power.

A study of the impact of semi-presidentialism in democracies outside of Europe. This book discusses the advantages and disadvantages of semi-presidentialism. It includes case studies that highlight the political processes at work in young semi-presidential democracies. It is useful for those researching in the field of comparative politics.

Deals with the political representation of women in countries with parliamentary systems based on the Westminster model. Written by a major international team of authors, this study features twelve chapters on both contemporary and established parliaments, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Examines the way in which domestic and global institutions shape and reflect gender interests, and the extent to which feminists can challenge gender norms through political institutions. This book examines regional, national and international institutions. It is suitable for students of gender studies, political science and comparative politics.

Offers an assessment of how social and political involvement relates to theories of citizenship and democracy. This work provides a comparative assessment of the potential that voluntary organizations offer citizens for social and political participation in several European countries. It is intended for students and researchers.

This book focuses specifically on the question of interest aggregation: do parties today perform that function? If so, how and if not, in what different ways do they seek to show themselves responsive to the electorate?

This book examines the relationship between indicators of resource distribution and democratization in the group of 170 countries with data ranging from the 1850s to the present day. Vanhanen argues that the emergence of democracy is closely linked to resource distribution.

Explores the kind of non-democratic regimes that are particularly vulnerable to democratic revolutions. This book examines why and how democrats rebel and what the results of democratic revolutions have been. It attempts to democratize theories of revolution, and includes studies of East Germany, China, Serbia and the Philippines.

This edited volume offers a critical discussion of the trade-offs between transparency and secrecy in the actual political practice of democratic states in Europe. As such, it answers to a growing need to systematically analyse the problem of secrecy in governance in this political and geographical context.

What is the relationship between democracy and political culture in countries undergoing major systemic change? This book tackles this question and other questions, and builds a clear understanding of what makes democracies strong and resistant to autocratic temptation.

Making a case for separating citizenship from nationality, this book comparatively examines a key selection of nation-states in terms of their definitions of nationality and citizenship, and the ways in which the association of some with the European Union has transformed these definitions.

This is the first study of the controversial new trends of gender quotas now emerging in global politics, presenting a comprehensive overview of changes in women's parliamentary representation across the world.

This global study uses statistical analysis to relate the popularity of the death penalty to physical, cultural, social, economical, institutional, actor oriented and historical factors.

This book examines the political and social transformation of post-communist states. With a focus on minority integration, the author evaluates the interaction between state and society, illustrating how successful dialogue between the two can result in successful state-building.

Leading international experts and aspiring researchers from the fields of political science and sociology use a range of case studies from North America, Europe and Australia to guide the reader through the complexities of this debate offering an unprecedented comparative examination of public opinion and immigration.

Provides an appraisal of gender pay equality, assessing advances and barriers to progress through a selection of national policy, institutional and labour market contexts.

This book examines the contested philosophical foundations of multiculturalism and its, often controversial, applications in the context of migrant societies. It also explores the current theoretical debates about the extent to which multiculturalism, and related conceptual constructs, can account for the various ethical challenges and policy dilemmas surrounding the management of cultural diversity in our contemporary societies. The authors consider common conceptual and empirical features from a transnational perspective through analysis of the case studies of Australia, Canada, Columbia, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

This book presents recent reforms in selected African parliaments ¿ Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Benin, Zambia, Ethiopia, Liberia and Nigeria. It also presents cross-cutting innovations by African parliaments ¿ in fighting corruption, in providing development to constituents and in combatting climate change.

This book explores the roles and visions foundations have of, and for, themselves in the new Europe.

Subnational political units are growing in influence in national and international affairs, drawing increasing scholarly attention to politics beyond national capitals. In this book, leading Russian and Western political scientists contribute to debates in comparative politics by examining Russia's subnational politics.

Written by leading women's movement scholars, this book applies the idea of social movement abeyance to differing national and international contexts. It compares the trajectories of women's movements in Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.