Italy

<p>This textbook has been designed to provide students with an up-to-date and accessible introduction to the complexities of Italian politics during the 1990s. It will equip students with a sound understanding of the basics of Italian politics and government, and will provide clear and simple insights into the intricacies of Italian political behaviour.<br>The comprehensive coverage includes:<br> * an introduction to contemporary history, political geography and economic issues as well as Italian political values and attitudes.<br> * a section on political behaviour which explores political parties, interest groups and the electoral earthquakes of the 1990s.<br> * a section on government institutions and their roles, including discussion of the executive, the legislature, the judiciary and the subnational government.<br> * analysis of Italy's often stormy relationship with the European Union<br> * an exploration of recent events, such as attempts at institutional reform</p> 1. Italian politics: a framework of contradictions; 2. Italian political culture: a study in diversity; 3. Political behaviour: a changing party system; 4. Elections and electors; 5. Political behaviour: interest articulation and aggregation; 6. Parliament: a legislature in search of its role; 7. The executive power: the government and the President of the Republic; 8. the public administration; 9. The politics ofjustice; 10. The territorial distribution of power: the Italian regional state; 11. Italy and European Union; 12. Italy: difficulties in facing the millennium; 13. Postscript