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"This book presents a comprehensive and incisive exploration of the intricacies of the Italian political system. Written in a lucid and informative style, the work features: an examination of Italian political history from 1943 to the present day; an analysis of the governmental system, the constitutional framework, the core institutions, the electoral system and the key parties; analysis of the role of contemporary pressure groups and social movements including environmental, labour and institutional organizations; discussion of important topical issues such as corruption and organized crime; an exploration of Italian foreign policy towards the EU, the US and the wider world; illustrated with a wide range of examples, tables and figures. Italian Politics: Exploring the Dynamics of Political Change is an indispensable resource for students and scholars delving into Italian politics, Italian studies, European politics/studies, political systems, and comparative politics"--

1 Introduction: Brexit and a Pro-European Fight-back -- 2 European Integration as a Social Democratic Project -- 3 The Crisis of Social Democracy: Why Is the Mainstream Left in Europe Struggling, Electorally? -- 4 The European Union's Crisis of Legitimacy -- 5 Social Democratic Opponents of Europe -- 6 'Critical Europeanism' -- 7 Conclusion: What's Left of the European Left?.

This innovative text provides a fresh approach to Italian politics, providing critical analysis in a comparative framework, 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

Introduction : a guide to the election and 'instructions for use' / James L. Newell -- The political context 2006-2008 / Alfio Mastropaolo -- The economic context / Michele Capriati -- The EU and international contexts / Giovanna Antonia Fois -- The parties of the centre left / Ilaria Favretto -- The parties of the centre right : many oppositions, one leader / Daniele Albertazzi and Duncan McDonnell -- The processes of alliance formation / Mark Donovan -- Campaign issues and themes / Donatella Campus -- The low intensity media campaign and a vote that comes from far back / Franca Roncarolo -- The new technologies : the first Internet 2.0 election / Cristopher Cepernich -- Italian voters : Berlusconi's victory and the 'new' Italian party system / Alessandro Chiaramonte -- A different legislature? The parliamentary scene following the 2008 elections / Ferderico Russo and Luca Verzichelli -- The formation of the fourth Berlusconi government / Gianfranco Pasquino -- Conclusion : a watershed election? / James L. Newell