• ISBN13: 9780521840705
• Binding: Hardcover
• Subject: Politics and Current Affairs
• Publisher: Cambridge UP
• Publisher Imprint: Cambridge
• Publication Date: January 1, 2010
• Pages: 416
• Original Price: GBP 55.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 817 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): General

This innovative 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 analyze 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.

Newell, James L.: - James L. Newell is Professor of Politics in the School of English, Sociology, Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Salford. He is the author of Italian Politics: Adjustment under Duress (with Martin Bull, 2005) and Parties and Democracy in Italy (2000), as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters on Italian politics.