Introduces concepts addressed in The Political Class in Advanced Democracies, namely, politics as a profession & political class. The origins & theoretical implications of the concept of political class are explored. The comparative analysis of professional politics includes different historical processes of political professionalization; institutional contexts of the emergence of the political class; national patterns of size, career paths, income, etc; & impacts of the political class on institutional reform. 3 Figures, 84 References. L. Collins Leigh
Explores the origins, extent, & development of professional politics & the political class in Australia. Professional politicians are those elected to state/territorial assemblies & national office in the federal Parliament. The political system, including the electoral systems & structure of the political parties, is reviewed. The size, composition, socioeconomic status, & activities of the Australian political class are discussed, with conclusions concerning politicians' roles in institutional reform & importance of party affiliation. 6 Tables, 2 Figures, 28 References. L. Collins Leigh
"Eviola Prifti takes up the issue of the Commission as a political Leader versus technocratic manager with a sociological analysis of the institution. Her study of the Commission's internal organisation rejects the intergovernmentalist-versus-neofunctionalist debate and applies a 'microscopic' level of analysis that targets individual Commissioners. She argues that while the Commission possesses substantial technical capital (consistent with those arguing for a more managerial function), this was not augmented as a result of the Lisbon Treaty. On the other hand, the Treaty does strengthen its political capital, implying a latent potential for the Commission to exercise a stronger political role in the future." (contract)
"For many observers, the future of democratization in Latin America hinges on the extent to which civil society can be engaged effectively into more inclusive political arrangements. For some, the development of voluntary associational efforts, social capital and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can provide more effective instruments of control over state agencies and political parties, so as to secure more transparent, participatory and efficient governments. For others, the pursuit of more inclusive and equitable political arrangements requires greater space for participation by social movements (e.g., among landless peasants, the unemployed, and/or labor) that generally have been more critical of the neoliberal policies that prevailed in much of the region over the last few decades. How should we assess these hopes on the potential for civil society to facilitate further democratization in the region, particularly in light of the social and political transformations brought about by globalization? To assess these questions, this paper maps and discusses the changing patterns of associational activity in Latin America from a historical perspective. The paper argues that the history of democracy in the region has been informed by highly complex interactions between markets, states and a multitude of different forms of associative practices within civil society, from churches and labor unions to sports groups. More specifically, the paper analytically explores two patterns of association: 'insiders' and 'outsiders' we discuss the transformation of these two patterns through the 20th century; finally, we argue that the interaction between those two types of activism has been and will be key to democratization in the region." (author's abstract)
Examines the political professionalization & political class of GB, focusing on Parliament & political parties. The historical development of the political class demonstrates the very recent transition from amateur politician to professional politician. The institutional context highlights the various legislative bodies & importance of political parties & interest groups. Previous studies on the size, composition, recruitment, career paths, & salaries of professional politicians are summarized. While few changes have been made to the political system of GB, areas of institutional reform include the introduction of committees in the House of Commons, establishment of a new behavioral code, & move towards decentralization. 3 Tables, 60 References. L. Collins Leigh
Discusses political institutions & professional politicians in Japan. The historical background information illuminates today's institutional context & political class. Recent institutional reform concerning the political class & differentiation of Japan's political system from other states are highlighted. 1 Table, 33 References. L. Collins Leigh
Discusses political institutions & professional politicians in Japan. The historical background information illuminates today's institutional context & political class. Recent institutional reform concerning the political class & differentiation of Japan's political system from other states are highlighted. 1 Table, 33 References. L. Collins Leigh
Analyzes the origins of the political class & characteristics of professional politicians in Ireland. The small political class includes members of the Dail & Seanad, & the occupational & educational backgrounds of these politicians are discussed. The candidate selection process & parliamentary system reveal the importance & cohesion of political parties. Career paths, salaries, pensions, & a lack of institutional reform concerning the political class are noted. 3 Tables, 29 References. L. Collins Leigh
Explores the political class & political professionalization in Finland. The analyzed political class includes Members of Parliament & ministers as well as their assistants, personal advisors, & party press. The recent increase in cooperation & consolidation of the political class is discussed, including the political recruitment, careers, & salaries of professional politicians. The status of the contemporary political class of Finland is summarized. 1 Figure, 38 References. L. Collins Leigh
Analyzes the political class & professional politicians in Sweden. The professionalization of the Parliament -- the Riksdag -- & organizations (eg, political parties & interest groups) that comprise the Swedish political structure are discussed. An outline of the size & composition of the political class on both the local & national levels reveals that most professional politicians are in the Riksdag. Political recruitment, career paths, & remuneration are reviewed, with commentary on public opinion of political positions. The political class & changes in the political dynamics in Sweden are evaluated. 4 Tables, 6 Figures, 46 References. L. Collins Leigh
Explores the political class in Italy, focusing on professional politicians & the scope & dimensions of political careers. The Italian political system & its Members of Parliament (MPs) are analyzed historically. Definition of the composition & structure of the political class is complicated by the denial of full-time professionalism by MPs & political scandals during the 1990s. Entry into the political class & the cycle of political careers in Italy are examined, with some attention to salaries & pensions. The instability & future prospects for the political class are surmised. 3 Figures, 80 References. L. Collins Leigh
Explores the political class in Italy, focusing on professional politicians & the scope & dimensions of political careers. The Italian political system & its Members of Parliament (MPs) are analyzed historically. Definition of the composition & structure of the political class is complicated by the denial of full-time professionalism by MPs & political scandals during the 1990s. Entry into the political class & the cycle of political careers in Italy are examined, with some attention to salaries & pensions. The instability & future prospects for the political class are surmised. 3 Figures, 80 References. L. Collins Leigh
The author examines how risks are assessed & managed in today's world, focusing on posing & answering three questions about risk management -- the 'risk game.' -- These questions include, (1) why is risk regulation diffuse & fragmented, (2) why is it difficulty to establish accountability, & (3) why does the process often seem to produce adverse effects? In the process of addressing these questions, the author identifies how the 'blame game' shapes the 'risk game'. The 'blame game' refers to the strategies -- presentational, policy, &/or agency -- used by politicians or other public officials to avoid or limit the amount of blame. Tables, Figures, References. D. Miller
