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First, the constitutional & institutional structures of loyalties, identification, & citizenship are briefly noted. Next, the bases for challenging the traditional & theoretical conjunction of nationality & citizenship are asserted. Thus Carlos Closa's notion that supranational citizenship holds greater democratic promise than national citizenship is considered. Joseph Weiler's somewhat similar notions are also discussed, as are differences regarding the importance of nationality & national identity. Weiler's recognition of national forces accords, however, with Closa's observation that EU civil society lacks the vigor to take advantage of the greater democratic possibilities of supranational citizenship. From both Closa & Weiler, we may glean that enlargement may increase the problems of European citizenship. In light of this, American theories of republican federalism, as articulated by S.H. Bean, prove instructive for their overlap with a modern concern among radical democrats with deliberative or dialogic democracy. Here, Weiler's notions about a European public space must be attended to. 18 References. K. Coddon

Describes an institutional approach to the labor market that focuses on the historical impact of owner-worker conflict on the institutions that shape the wage structure. It is argued that, because labor markets are highly differentiated institutional settings, there are wide differences in how employment relationships are institutionally centralized or decentralized. An examination of research on the effect of the centralization of industrial relations in contemporary capitalist labor markets indicated that centralization has aggregate-level consequences for income distribution & social welfare, & institutions filter the effect of external economic conditions & influence processes of collective action. Further, where class is highly institutionalized, labor markets are more likely to realize high employment levels, equality, & security from external economic shocks. Implications of these institutional effects are discussed, suggesting further research on the institutional conditions under which specific labor market processes function. 2 Tables, 1 Figure, 91 References. J. Lindroth

Examines the usefulness of an equilibrium-based rational choice theory for analysis of the efficacy of informal & formal social institutions in combining beliefs & conduct in such a way as to constrain individual behavior. An equilibrium-based rational choice model of repeated cooperation in the two-player prisoner's dilemma game is constructed to ascertain the organizational effectiveness of various equilibria. Absent communication, equilibrium is achieved in a kind of tit-for-tat strategy of individual punishments. When the model is revised to allow communication, it is found that a true institution is achieved in which the whole group monitors & punishes deviant behavior, but this outcome is accomplished at significant costs. Such costs are partly ameliorated with the establishment of a central communication system directed by a single enforces. While the creation of a director reduces the costs of communication, it also raises the issue of who monitors the director. The notion of institutions as equilibria is defended as a useful approach for analyzing institutional stability & the effects of institutions in various areas of social life. 4 Tables. D. M. Smith

Discusses the role of institutions in the EU policy process. In doing so, the chapter focuses on the power & importance awarded the institutions & political actors of the EU. It also looks at the accessibility of the policy-making process itself. Included in the debate is an analysis of the role of informal institutions. Finally, the chapter investigates the pluralist character of institutions, arguing that the current policy-making process is heavily influenced by external forces. 1 Figure. K. A. Larsen

Summarizes the book's analyses of political change in contemporary democracies. Institutional change in the three forms of democracy -- representative democracy, direct democracy, & advocacy democracy -- has resulted in expanded citizen access & participation in the political process. The changing relationship between citizens & the state is explored through examples from articles in the text. The effects of expanded direct democracy & advocacy democracy on state structure, the governing process, & government efficacy are appraised. 1 Table, 1 Figure. L. Collins Leigh

The connection between a democratic government's societal performance & its structure is examined. After discussing multiple definitions of government, it is contended that government should be understood as the mechanisms that facilitate collective decisions made through public action for the benefit of a society. It is argued that government is a central component of society & that it largely determines the nature of public governance. The institutions, leadership styles, & standards embodied within presidential, parliamentary, & dual power government systems are then studied with the intent of determining how these different systems can ensure adequate government performance. An analysis of the state format of various liberal democracies (N = 52) is performed to demonstrate how structural variables affect democratic governance. The findings revealed that structural deficiencies, not various economic or social problems, are primarily responsible for a democratic government's inability to resolve such difficulties. Additional results indicating how levels of democratic governance & government organization influence policy performance are reported; moreover, findings concerning how democratic institutions affect levels of "democraticness" & citizens' quality of life are presented. The study's implications for future research are considered. 10 Tables, 1 Appendix. J. W. Parker

Discusses the impact -- & lack therof -- of multinational institutions (MIs) on the post-World War II "long peace." It seems obvious that MIs cannot be regarded as the chief reason for the decline in major wars. However, it may well be that MIs perform actions that limit the occurrence of major interstate conflicts, however modestly. Toward considering these possible restraining effects, contexts, definitions, conceptual changes, & theoretical bases for addressing the function of MIs in war prevention are explored. K. Coddon

Considers the focus of the comparative political economy literatures, stressing the positive issues of how institutions work & why, as well as the state of current empirical estimates of their impacts. Following an introduction on the political economy of institutions that contextualized the specialized & policy-focused research arenas, attention turns to discussing how, in institutional political economy, studies have coalesced around the concepts of credibility in monetary policy & centralization & transparency in fiscal policy. Demonstrated is the salience of relating policy outcomes to economic fundamentals as well as the ideological or redistributive pursuits of political actors (eg, parties, interest groups) & the institutional policy-making context. How transparency & credibility relate is addressed along with how the study of monetary & fiscal policy institutions might be integrated. J. Zendejas

Explores the governing institutions of New England as impediments to enhanced regional integration & economic development. Elements of New England politics & institutions are distinguished by political party competitiveness, historical urbanization & dominance of governing political machines, & dominance of the municipal government. Specific conditions for each state -- Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, & Rhode Island -- are highlighted. A history of attempts to form regional organizations across the states is surveyed, & economic & political factors that push toward & against regional integration are analyzed. 6 Tables, 9 References. L. Collins Leigh