This book deals with the theoretical implications of the changing nature of the European Member states and with the concept of new regionalism. Not only does it explore the historical and philosophical background of democracy in various countries, but also it offers an exposition of the institutional expression of democracy at different levels. In addition, it examines the role of pressure groups, policy networks, and political parties; includes a survey of critiques of sub-national democracy; and examines innovative approaches to improving regional and local democracy.

This book deals with the theoretical implications of the changing nature of the European Member states and with the concept of new regionalism. Not only does it explore the historical and philosophical background of democracy in various countries, but also it offers an exposition of the institutional expression of democracy at different levels. In addition, it examines the role of pressure groups, policy networks, and political parties; includes a survey of critiques of sub-national democracy; and examines innovative approaches to improving regional and local democracy.

With globalization and the EU, local and regional government in member states have experienced dramatic changes in their operation, responsibilities and organizations. Loughlin presents an overview of the theory and practice of subnational government in France and a detailed examination of the outcomes.

In 1981, the newly elected socialist government of France announced a septennat. The decentralization reforms, known as the Deferre Reforms after the then Minister of the Interior and Decentralization, have changed the politico-administrative landscape of France. This volume asks what changes - if any - occurred and looks at the implications for French public policy-making.

This book examines the effects of economic and political restructuring on regions in Europe and North America. The main theses are: international economic restructuring and its impact on regions; political realignments at the regional level; questions of territorial identity and their connection with class, gender and neighbourhood identity; policy choices and policy conflicts in regional development.

When will Albania join the EU? Will accession help Albania to achieve prosperity, stability and prosperity? What factors are helping it towards this end and what factors are holding it back? An original study of Albania and its relations with the EU, this is the first book to identify and analyse the problems of the country as it moves towards membership of the Union. It explores the political, economic and social transformations needed to make Albanian membership possible. The authors highlight the enormous democratic changes that have occurred in post-communist Albania as well as the many...

The Oxford Handbook of Local and Regional Democracy in Europe analyzes the state of play of democracy at the subnational level in the 27 member states of the EU plus Norway and Switzerland. It places subnational democracy in the context of the distinctive Anglo, French, German, and Scandinavian state traditions in Europe asking to what extent these are still relevant today. The Handbook adapts Lijphart's theory of democracy and applies it to the subnational levels in all the country chapters. A key theoretical issue is whether subnational (regional and local) democracy is...