Political Institutions in Italy focuses on the most recent developments in Italian politics, particularly those of the last 10-15 years. The authors address a number of themes, paradoxes, and problems inherent in Italian politics, the first being the shifting balance between the central administration and the periphery. The second theme concerns the divide between governing parties and permanent oppositions, and the third relates to the mix of political discontinuity and instability with a simultaneous stability of political parties.
Finally, the book considers the relationship...

At a time when political representation can be said to be facing its ultimate crisis, this crucial work clarifies the terms of the debate, providing an up-to-date analysis of the main conceptual and institutional controversies that have arisen surrounding this topic. Written by leading scholars in the field, contributions focus on how representation is conceptualised and its relation to democracy, examining how political institutions in different historical periods (ranging from the middle ages to the modern day) have ensured representation based on demands of various social forces. This...