The Party Politics of Decentralization

Description

This book addresses the process of decentralization in Italy, examined from the perspective of political parties. In particular, it assesses whether and to what extent the dynamics of party competition are likely to shape policy agenda and affect policy change. The author starts by providing a thorough account of the process and history of Italian decentralization and the policy outcomes achieved over time, before discussing how party attention to an issue triggers related policy changes (manipulation of salience). Next, the focus shifts to the concrete positions adopted by parties on decentralization to assess whether the pattern of party competition has been consensual or adversarial, and how this pattern influenced the process of reform (manipulation of position). Finally, the author examines the role of frames in party competition. This volume offers essential research that will prove useful to a variety of audiences, ranging from scholars of territorial and Italian politics to those interested in agenda-setting, policy change, and party politics. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxi The Party Politics of Decentralization: Theory, Definitions, Research Design, and Methods (Linda Basile)....Pages 1-25 Setting the Scene: The Direction and Pattern of Decentralization in Italy (Linda Basile)....Pages 27-65 Salience: Putting Decentralization on the Agenda: The Role of Political Parties (Linda Basile)....Pages 67-108 Position: Sharp Conflict or Shared Consensus? (Linda Basile)....Pages 109-184 Frames: The Art of Justifying Preferences (Linda Basile)....Pages 185-216 Back Matter ....Pages 217-259