Modern Italy: Representation and Reform

 Paul Furlong presents an introduction to Italian politics and policy-making, considering in detail the way in which Italy's recent history has affected its course of political and economic development.
He looks at the policy process through the 1980s, analysing the practical results of the policy-making process in key areas, such as industry and the economy. He goes on to discuss the party-political and governmental developments of the 1990s.
The book is designed throughout to illuminate the Italian case by applying a comparative framework. Italy has often been treated as an exception to any rule of Western European politics; there are, however, many features that the country holds in common with its EC neighbours.

Review: `The book is an excellent introduction to the Italian political tradition as well as to the limitations of the policy-making process... Furlong succeeds in his application of comparative terminology, lifting Italy out of its splendid `special case' isolation and equipping the reader with the tools to analyse the country alongside her neighbours. It is essential reading for an understanding of the present state of Italy.' - Evan Stewart, Journal of Area Studies