This book deals with the theoretical implications of the changing nature of the European Member states and with the concept of new regionalism. Not only does it explore the historical and philosophical background of democracy in various countries, but also it offers an exposition of the institutional expression of democracy at different levels. In addition, it examines the role of pressure groups, policy networks, and political parties; includes a survey of critiques of sub-national democracy; and examines innovative approaches to improving regional and local democracy.

• 1: John Loughlin: Introduction: the Transformation of the Democratic State in Western Europe


• PART ONE


• 2: John Loughlin: The United Kingdom: from Hypercentralization to Devolution


• 3: John Loughlin: 3. Ireland: from colonized nation to 'Celtic Tiger'


• PART TWO


• 4: Udo Bullmann: Germany: Federalism under strain


• 5: Udo Bullmann: Austria: the end of Proportional Government?


• 6: Frank Hendriks: The Netherlands: Reinventing Tradition in Regional and Local Democracy


• 7: Frank Hendriks: Luxembourg: Change and Continuities in the Local State


• PART THREE


• 8: John Loughlin: France: between Centralization and fragmentation


• 9: John Loughlin: Italy: the Crisis of the Second Republic


• 10: Eliseo Aja: Spain: Nation, Nationalities, and regions


• 11: John Loughlin: Portugal: the difficulties of regionalization


• 12: John Loughlin: Greece: Between 'henosis' and decentralization


• 13: Frank Hendriks: Belgium: Federalism and Subnational Democracy in a Divided Country


• PART THREE


• 14: Anders Lidstrom: Sweden: the end of the 'Swedish Model'?


• 15: Anders Lidstrom: Denmark: between Scandivnian democracy and neo-liberalism


• 16: Anders Lidstrom: Finland: geo-political changes and Europeanization


• 17: John Loughlin: Conclusion: the Transformation of Regional and Local Democracy into Western Europe