Comparative Federalism: Theory and Practice / Edition 1

by Michael Burgess

Overview

A new examination of contemporary federalism and federation, which delivers a detailed theoretical study underpinned by fresh case studies.

It is grounded in a clear distinction between 'federations', particular kinds of states, and 'federalism', the thinking that drives and promotes them. It also details the origins, formation, evolution and operations of federal political interests, through an authoritative series of chapters that:

• analyze the conceptual bases of federalism and federation through the evolution of the intellectual debate on federalism; the American Federal experience; the origins of federal states; and the relationship between state-building and national integration
• explore comparative federalism and federation by looking at five main pathways into comparative analysis with empirical studies on the US, Canada, Australia, India, Malaysia, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the EU
• explore the pathology of federations, looking at failures and successes, the impact of globalization.

The final chapter also presents a definitive assessment of federal theory. This book will be of great interest to students and researchers of federalism, devolution, comparative politics and government.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415364546
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/12/2006
Pages:	376
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael Burgess heads the Centre for Federal Studies, University of Kent at Canterbury.

Table of Contents

1. Federalism and Federation: The Quest for Meaning 2. The American Federal Experience 3. Federalism and Federation: The Origins and Formation of Federal States 4. Federalism, Nationalism and the National State: Legitimacy and the Problem of National Identity 5. The Comparative Study of Federal Political Systems 6. The Anglo-American and European Federal Political Traditions 7. The Concept of Representation in Federalism and Federation 8. Asymmetrical Federalism and Federation 9. The European Union as a Federal Model 10. Federalism, Democracy and the State in the Era of Globalization 11. Success and Failure in Federation 12. Conclusion: Comparative Federalism in Theory and Practice