This innovative text provides a fresh approach to Italian politics, providing critical analysis in a comparative framework.

James L. Newell is Professor of Politics in the School of English, Sociology, Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Salford. He is the author of Italian Politics: Adjustment under Duress (with Martin Bull, 2005) and Parties and Democracy in Italy (2000), as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters on Italian politics.

Introduction; Part I. Historical Background: 1. History; Part II. The Polity: Structures and Institutions of the Regime: 2. The constitutional framework; 3. Multi-level government; 4. Policy-making and policy implementation: executives, legislatures and bureaucrats; Part III. Politics: Citizens, Elites and Interest Mediation: 5. Political culture and behaviour; 6. Interests and interest mediation: voluntary associations and pressure groups; 7. Elections, voting and political parties; Part IV. Policies and Performances: 8. Economic policy; 9. Welfare and rights; 10. Foreign policy; Appendix. The electoral system for the chamber of deputies and the senate.