Jon Pierre and Peter Ehn
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294467
- eISBN:
- 9780191600067
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294468.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The first part of this chapter discusses retrenchment, recent institutional changes, and senior civil servants in Sweden; it attributes the recent changes in the senior civil service to the budgetary ...
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The first part of this chapter discusses retrenchment, recent institutional changes, and senior civil servants in Sweden; it attributes the recent changes in the senior civil service to the budgetary crisis of the state and the emergence of a less interventionalist control regime, in which the heyday of state‐driven economic and social change has gone. The main source of uncertainty now concerns the final destination of the rapid changes in many core aspects of Swedish politics and public administration. The different sections of the chapter look at: the size and structure of the Swedish civil service; ranks of senior civil servants; systems of recruitment and promotion; party membership among senior civil servants; inter‐ministerial mobility of civil servants; status in the civil service; the social and educational backgrounds of top officials; informal contacts across ministries and between ministries and agencies; the relationship between national and sub‐national officials and those working in agencies; political party policies towards the civil service; and the social status of the senior civil service.Less
The first part of this chapter discusses retrenchment, recent institutional changes, and senior civil servants in Sweden; it attributes the recent changes in the senior civil service to the budgetary crisis of the state and the emergence of a less interventionalist control regime, in which the heyday of state‐driven economic and social change has gone. The main source of uncertainty now concerns the final destination of the rapid changes in many core aspects of Swedish politics and public administration. The different sections of the chapter look at: the size and structure of the Swedish civil service; ranks of senior civil servants; systems of recruitment and promotion; party membership among senior civil servants; inter‐ministerial mobility of civil servants; status in the civil service; the social and educational backgrounds of top officials; informal contacts across ministries and between ministries and agencies; the relationship between national and sub‐national officials and those working in agencies; political party policies towards the civil service; and the social status of the senior civil service.
Hanne Nexø Jensen and Tim Knudsen
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294467
- eISBN:
- 9780191600067
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294468.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The Danish senior civil service has a mixture of older and newer traditions, in which history and tradition are very important. Accordingly, this chapter starts by summarizing the historical ...
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The Danish senior civil service has a mixture of older and newer traditions, in which history and tradition are very important. Accordingly, this chapter starts by summarizing the historical background to the Danish central public administration and the historical role of Danish civil servants. Further sections then introduce the common organizational principles governing the central public administration. The different sections discuss: ranks and numbers of senior civil servants at the top levels; methods of recruitment and promotion; inter‐ministerial mobility; pay; party membership and the senior civil service; the status in the civil service of high status ministries; the social and educational background of top officials; women at the top; interaction and formal contacts within and between ministries; and political party policies towards the senior civil service.Less
The Danish senior civil service has a mixture of older and newer traditions, in which history and tradition are very important. Accordingly, this chapter starts by summarizing the historical background to the Danish central public administration and the historical role of Danish civil servants. Further sections then introduce the common organizational principles governing the central public administration. The different sections discuss: ranks and numbers of senior civil servants at the top levels; methods of recruitment and promotion; inter‐ministerial mobility; pay; party membership and the senior civil service; the status in the civil service of high status ministries; the social and educational background of top officials; women at the top; interaction and formal contacts within and between ministries; and political party policies towards the senior civil service.
Dimitri A. Sotiropoulos
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294467
- eISBN:
- 9780191600067
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294468.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Formally, the higher civil service of Greece is a powerful group, but it also has a legitimate claim to relative powerlessness. Its subservient role is correlated with the perennial and problematic ...
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Formally, the higher civil service of Greece is a powerful group, but it also has a legitimate claim to relative powerlessness. Its subservient role is correlated with the perennial and problematic features of the organizational structure of the Greek public administration, which, in certain respects, is pre‐modern. Starts by distinguishing the main features of the top management level of the Greek civil service, pointing out the minor role played by Greek civil servants compared with their counterparts in other European countries. Goes on to describe the ranks of civil servants, the methods of recruitment and promotion to the Greek higher civil service, and the interdepartmental mobility of civil servants. Further sections discuss status in the civil service, the social background characteristics and social status of top officials, organizations and informal contacts across ministries, and political party policies towards the higher civil service.Less
Formally, the higher civil service of Greece is a powerful group, but it also has a legitimate claim to relative powerlessness. Its subservient role is correlated with the perennial and problematic features of the organizational structure of the Greek public administration, which, in certain respects, is pre‐modern. Starts by distinguishing the main features of the top management level of the Greek civil service, pointing out the minor role played by Greek civil servants compared with their counterparts in other European countries. Goes on to describe the ranks of civil servants, the methods of recruitment and promotion to the Greek higher civil service, and the interdepartmental mobility of civil servants. Further sections discuss status in the civil service, the social background characteristics and social status of top officials, organizations and informal contacts across ministries, and political party policies towards the higher civil service.
Herbert Marcuse
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691134130
- eISBN:
- 9781400846467
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691134130.003.0015
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter focuses on the Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands or SPD) of Germany. The report states that among the German political parties that may be revived after ...
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This chapter focuses on the Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands or SPD) of Germany. The report states that among the German political parties that may be revived after the destruction of the Nazi regime, the SPD is likely to play an important role. Dating from the earliest years of the German empire, the SPD has maintained a tradition as the strongest, and prior to 1917 the only, labor party in Germany. Nazi Germany has not succeeded in destroying the allegiance of much of the old social democratic membership. The chapter first provides a background on the origin, composition, and strength of the SPD before discussing its policies, including political policy, economic policy, and foreign policy. It then considers the exiled leadership of the SPD, along with developments in the party since the occupation of Germany. It also assesses the SPD's prospects in the postwar period.Less
This chapter focuses on the Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands or SPD) of Germany. The report states that among the German political parties that may be revived after the destruction of the Nazi regime, the SPD is likely to play an important role. Dating from the earliest years of the German empire, the SPD has maintained a tradition as the strongest, and prior to 1917 the only, labor party in Germany. Nazi Germany has not succeeded in destroying the allegiance of much of the old social democratic membership. The chapter first provides a background on the origin, composition, and strength of the SPD before discussing its policies, including political policy, economic policy, and foreign policy. It then considers the exiled leadership of the SPD, along with developments in the party since the occupation of Germany. It also assesses the SPD's prospects in the postwar period.
Christopher Maginn
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199697151
- eISBN:
- 9780191739262
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199697151.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Early Modern History
This chapter, beginning in Edward's reign and concluding in Elizabeth's last years on the throne, explores what may be Cecil's most important legacy with regard to Ireland: his role in the ...
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This chapter, beginning in Edward's reign and concluding in Elizabeth's last years on the throne, explores what may be Cecil's most important legacy with regard to Ireland: his role in the formulation and oversight of Tudor political policy and the operation of government there. It shows that Cecil's influence with Elizabeth and his unparalleled knowledge of Ireland combined to make him the key to the functioning of Tudor government in the kingdom in the later sixteenth century; and though policy for Ireland never originated from him, his support was essential to see it pursued and implemented. William Cecil, this chapter argues, presided over every step of Tudor policy in Ireland until his death in 1598.Less
This chapter, beginning in Edward's reign and concluding in Elizabeth's last years on the throne, explores what may be Cecil's most important legacy with regard to Ireland: his role in the formulation and oversight of Tudor political policy and the operation of government there. It shows that Cecil's influence with Elizabeth and his unparalleled knowledge of Ireland combined to make him the key to the functioning of Tudor government in the kingdom in the later sixteenth century; and though policy for Ireland never originated from him, his support was essential to see it pursued and implemented. William Cecil, this chapter argues, presided over every step of Tudor policy in Ireland until his death in 1598.
Bernard Hoekman and Michel Kostecki
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294313
- eISBN:
- 9780191596445
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829431X.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This book analyses the multilateral trading system's principles, rules, and procedures. It is not a legal text. It aims instead to provide an accessible (non‐technical) description of the rules of ...
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This book analyses the multilateral trading system's principles, rules, and procedures. It is not a legal text. It aims instead to provide an accessible (non‐technical) description of the rules of the game and a policy‐oriented economic assessment of the disciplines that have been negotiated by WTO members. The book provides a brief historical overview of the evolution of the trading system; the organizational structure and functions of the WTO; the dispute settlement and enforcement provisions; and the role of the WTO as a forum for negotiations, with special attention given to the importance of reciprocity. The bulk of the book deals with the rules on trade policies, including regional integration and contingent protection (anti‐dumping and safeguards), agriculture, services and intellectual property, and discusses the political economy rationale underlying them. The rules are summarized and their economic policy rationale assessed in a non‐technical manner. The final part of the book discusses the evolving role of developing countries and economies in transition and the issues that are likely to be on the negotiating agenda for some time to come, including competition (anti‐trust) policy, labour standards, trade facilitation, investment, and environmental policies. An Annex summarizes the economics of major trade policy instruments and many of the issues discussed in the book.Less
This book analyses the multilateral trading system's principles, rules, and procedures. It is not a legal text. It aims instead to provide an accessible (non‐technical) description of the rules of the game and a policy‐oriented economic assessment of the disciplines that have been negotiated by WTO members. The book provides a brief historical overview of the evolution of the trading system; the organizational structure and functions of the WTO; the dispute settlement and enforcement provisions; and the role of the WTO as a forum for negotiations, with special attention given to the importance of reciprocity. The bulk of the book deals with the rules on trade policies, including regional integration and contingent protection (anti‐dumping and safeguards), agriculture, services and intellectual property, and discusses the political economy rationale underlying them. The rules are summarized and their economic policy rationale assessed in a non‐technical manner. The final part of the book discusses the evolving role of developing countries and economies in transition and the issues that are likely to be on the negotiating agenda for some time to come, including competition (anti‐trust) policy, labour standards, trade facilitation, investment, and environmental policies. An Annex summarizes the economics of major trade policy instruments and many of the issues discussed in the book.
Walter Armbrust
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780691162645
- eISBN:
- 9780691197517
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691162645.003.0003
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Social and Cultural Anthropology
This chapter discusses the material frame of Tahrir Square. As a space, it has been shaped by the political-economic policies of the past four decades, which essentially turned it into an antihuman ...
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This chapter discusses the material frame of Tahrir Square. As a space, it has been shaped by the political-economic policies of the past four decades, which essentially turned it into an antihuman space, nominally suitable only as a “nonplace” that people passed through. A liberalized economy under the umbrella of a state that systematically redistributed income upward shaped demands for “bread, freedom, and social justice” as surely as it walled off Bulaq from communication with its urban surroundings, segregated Garden City to protect the imperial agents of the “Washington consensus,” and prepared downtown for private redevelopment. The causes of the revolution were inscribed in the urban fabric of its primary theater. It should be emphasized that the revolution-era character of Tahrir Square is incomprehensible without linking it to the growth of the formal parts of the expanding city, specifically the suburbs and their gated communities. But it is equally incomprehensible without similarly linking it to the even more significant growth of the informal parts of the city, and indeed the more general character of informality in many spheres of life, most significantly labor, which was systematically made precarious by the same design that poured resources into the new cities and slated Bulaq for extinction. However, the quotidian antihuman Tahrir Square depicted in the chapter has greater depth as a performance space than one might think.Less
This chapter discusses the material frame of Tahrir Square. As a space, it has been shaped by the political-economic policies of the past four decades, which essentially turned it into an antihuman space, nominally suitable only as a “nonplace” that people passed through. A liberalized economy under the umbrella of a state that systematically redistributed income upward shaped demands for “bread, freedom, and social justice” as surely as it walled off Bulaq from communication with its urban surroundings, segregated Garden City to protect the imperial agents of the “Washington consensus,” and prepared downtown for private redevelopment. The causes of the revolution were inscribed in the urban fabric of its primary theater. It should be emphasized that the revolution-era character of Tahrir Square is incomprehensible without linking it to the growth of the formal parts of the expanding city, specifically the suburbs and their gated communities. But it is equally incomprehensible without similarly linking it to the even more significant growth of the informal parts of the city, and indeed the more general character of informality in many spheres of life, most significantly labor, which was systematically made precarious by the same design that poured resources into the new cities and slated Bulaq for extinction. However, the quotidian antihuman Tahrir Square depicted in the chapter has greater depth as a performance space than one might think.
Anchrit Wille
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199665693
- eISBN:
- 9780191755989
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199665693.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This chapter explains how reforms have contributed to a redefined partnership between commissioners, heads of cabinets, and the top civil servants at the helm of the EU Commission. The desire to ...
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This chapter explains how reforms have contributed to a redefined partnership between commissioners, heads of cabinets, and the top civil servants at the helm of the EU Commission. The desire to improve the accountability of the EU Commission has resulted in a clearer demarcation of the political and the administrative parts in the Commission. A greater role clarity and differentiation between the political and bureaucratic level resulted in EU commissioners, heads of cabinets, and senior officials having different perspectives on their leadership. In recent years, the political side of the Commission has become a considerably different world from that of senior officials in the DGs.Less
This chapter explains how reforms have contributed to a redefined partnership between commissioners, heads of cabinets, and the top civil servants at the helm of the EU Commission. The desire to improve the accountability of the EU Commission has resulted in a clearer demarcation of the political and the administrative parts in the Commission. A greater role clarity and differentiation between the political and bureaucratic level resulted in EU commissioners, heads of cabinets, and senior officials having different perspectives on their leadership. In recent years, the political side of the Commission has become a considerably different world from that of senior officials in the DGs.
Ronald Hutton
- Published in print:
- 1989
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229117
- eISBN:
- 9780191678851
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229117.003.0011
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Early Modern History
This chapter discusses and weaves together the development of diplomatic, military, and political policy. Part of the discussion in this chapter also contests one or two recent beliefs about the ...
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This chapter discusses and weaves together the development of diplomatic, military, and political policy. Part of the discussion in this chapter also contests one or two recent beliefs about the process. There is only one thing common to all accounts of the events that led to the second Dutch War: no matter how cautiously he approached it, King Charles II made this war his own and fought it with determination until its end was forced upon him.Less
This chapter discusses and weaves together the development of diplomatic, military, and political policy. Part of the discussion in this chapter also contests one or two recent beliefs about the process. There is only one thing common to all accounts of the events that led to the second Dutch War: no matter how cautiously he approached it, King Charles II made this war his own and fought it with determination until its end was forced upon him.
Philip B. Heymann
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195335385
- eISBN:
- 9780199851690
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195335385.003.0013
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter further discusses smoking. What Michael Pillsbury and David Kessler had to do—and the challenge for Matt Myers in the third case—was to follow a handful of steps that define a political ...
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This chapter further discusses smoking. What Michael Pillsbury and David Kessler had to do—and the challenge for Matt Myers in the third case—was to follow a handful of steps that define a political strategy for a particular policy. The understanding significance of occasions (USOs) of the individuals and groups opposed to smoking, and the alternative coalitions of groups to bring about tobacco legislation are discussed in detail. In addition, the familiar structure of rival coalitions, and the choice of coalitions are described.Less
This chapter further discusses smoking. What Michael Pillsbury and David Kessler had to do—and the challenge for Matt Myers in the third case—was to follow a handful of steps that define a political strategy for a particular policy. The understanding significance of occasions (USOs) of the individuals and groups opposed to smoking, and the alternative coalitions of groups to bring about tobacco legislation are discussed in detail. In addition, the familiar structure of rival coalitions, and the choice of coalitions are described.
Anchrit Wille
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199665693
- eISBN:
- 9780191755989
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199665693.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Among the EU commissioner’s closest advisers are the heads of cabinet (chefs of cabinet). Operating at the interface between politics and administration, they need to cope with the political and ...
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Among the EU commissioner’s closest advisers are the heads of cabinet (chefs of cabinet). Operating at the interface between politics and administration, they need to cope with the political and policy pressures that face the commissioner. Despite their central position, heads of cabinet remain largely invisible and function ‘as the commissioner’s shadow’. In response to accusations of favouritism and nepotism in the 1990s, a new listing of the roles of cabinets was designed to draw sharper lines of responsibility between cabinets and services. The structure and the demography of the cabinets have changed in the past decade and cabinets have been staffed multi-nationally, with a cap placed on the number of advisers permitted. Modernization of the cabinet system has professionalized the role of these senior advisers in the EU Commission.Less
Among the EU commissioner’s closest advisers are the heads of cabinet (chefs of cabinet). Operating at the interface between politics and administration, they need to cope with the political and policy pressures that face the commissioner. Despite their central position, heads of cabinet remain largely invisible and function ‘as the commissioner’s shadow’. In response to accusations of favouritism and nepotism in the 1990s, a new listing of the roles of cabinets was designed to draw sharper lines of responsibility between cabinets and services. The structure and the demography of the cabinets have changed in the past decade and cabinets have been staffed multi-nationally, with a cap placed on the number of advisers permitted. Modernization of the cabinet system has professionalized the role of these senior advisers in the EU Commission.
Per Pinstrup-Andersen
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
How do governments respond to abrupt food price changes and why do they respond as they do? Answers to these two questions are important to help us understand policy-making, to predict how policy ...
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How do governments respond to abrupt food price changes and why do they respond as they do? Answers to these two questions are important to help us understand policy-making, to predict how policy makers are likely to respond to future food price volatility and to support policy makers as they confront such volatility. Food price volatility since 2007 provides a natural experiment for the research. While much has been written about the nature, content and causes of food price fluctuations, little is known about the political processes that led to the policy responses and the relative power, behaviour, and influence of the participating stakeholder groups. Understanding how and why governments responded as they did will help enhance existing knowledge of the political economy of food price policy and assist governments in their policy-making in the future.Less
How do governments respond to abrupt food price changes and why do they respond as they do? Answers to these two questions are important to help us understand policy-making, to predict how policy makers are likely to respond to future food price volatility and to support policy makers as they confront such volatility. Food price volatility since 2007 provides a natural experiment for the research. While much has been written about the nature, content and causes of food price fluctuations, little is known about the political processes that led to the policy responses and the relative power, behaviour, and influence of the participating stakeholder groups. Understanding how and why governments responded as they did will help enhance existing knowledge of the political economy of food price policy and assist governments in their policy-making in the future.
Mark Robert Rank
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195101683
- eISBN:
- 9780199894048
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195101683.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
Despite its enormous wealth, the United States leads the industrialized world in poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged unravels this disturbing paradox by offering a different understanding of ...
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Despite its enormous wealth, the United States leads the industrialized world in poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged unravels this disturbing paradox by offering a different understanding of American poverty. It debunks many of Americans' most common myths about the poor, while at the same time providing a new framework for addressing this enormous social and economic problem. The author shows that the fundamental causes of poverty are to be found in America's economic structure and political policy failures, rather than individual shortcomings or attitudes. He establishes for the first time that a significant percentage of Americans will experience poverty during their adult lifetimes, and firmly demonstrates that poverty is an issue of vital national concern. Ultimately, the author provides the reader with a new paradigm for understanding poverty, and outlines a set of strategies that will reduce the phenomenon in America. One Nation, Underprivileged represents a starting point for rekindling a national focus upon America's most vexing social and economic problem.Less
Despite its enormous wealth, the United States leads the industrialized world in poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged unravels this disturbing paradox by offering a different understanding of American poverty. It debunks many of Americans' most common myths about the poor, while at the same time providing a new framework for addressing this enormous social and economic problem. The author shows that the fundamental causes of poverty are to be found in America's economic structure and political policy failures, rather than individual shortcomings or attitudes. He establishes for the first time that a significant percentage of Americans will experience poverty during their adult lifetimes, and firmly demonstrates that poverty is an issue of vital national concern. Ultimately, the author provides the reader with a new paradigm for understanding poverty, and outlines a set of strategies that will reduce the phenomenon in America. One Nation, Underprivileged represents a starting point for rekindling a national focus upon America's most vexing social and economic problem.
Gordon C. Rausser and Harry de Gorter
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0020
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Since 2006, global prices and price volatility for foodgrain commodities have spiked frequently and dramatically, with heaviest economic and social impact on developing nations where agriculture ...
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Since 2006, global prices and price volatility for foodgrain commodities have spiked frequently and dramatically, with heaviest economic and social impact on developing nations where agriculture accounts for a sizable portion of economic activity. The chapter demonstrates how US public policies have contributed to these spikes. We first assess the impacts of US agricultural and macroeconomic policies on basic food commodity markets and their spillover effects on world markets prior to 2006. It then focuses on new causal mechanisms that have emerged since 2006, sourced with energy and environmental policies. The chapter also analyses the political economy of US biofuel policies, the changing US political landscape. The chapter demonstrates that the ‘iron triangle’ that once influenced governmental intervention in programme commodity markets has expanded into an ‘iron maze’ of environmental, energy, and agricultural organized interest groups.Less
Since 2006, global prices and price volatility for foodgrain commodities have spiked frequently and dramatically, with heaviest economic and social impact on developing nations where agriculture accounts for a sizable portion of economic activity. The chapter demonstrates how US public policies have contributed to these spikes. We first assess the impacts of US agricultural and macroeconomic policies on basic food commodity markets and their spillover effects on world markets prior to 2006. It then focuses on new causal mechanisms that have emerged since 2006, sourced with energy and environmental policies. The chapter also analyses the political economy of US biofuel policies, the changing US political landscape. The chapter demonstrates that the ‘iron triangle’ that once influenced governmental intervention in programme commodity markets has expanded into an ‘iron maze’ of environmental, energy, and agricultural organized interest groups.
Gianni Vattimo and Santiago Zabala
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231158039
- eISBN:
- 9780231528078
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231158039.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Having lost much of its political clout and theoretical power, communism no longer represents an appealing alternative to capitalism. In its original Marxist formulation, communism promised an ideal ...
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Having lost much of its political clout and theoretical power, communism no longer represents an appealing alternative to capitalism. In its original Marxist formulation, communism promised an ideal of development, but only through a logic of war, and while a number of reformist governments still promote this ideology, their legitimacy has steadily declined since the fall of the Berlin wall. Separating communism from its metaphysical foundations, which include an abiding faith in the immutable laws of history and an almost holy conception of the proletariat, this text recasts Marx's theories at a time when capitalism's metaphysical moorings—in technology, empire, and industrialization—are buckling. While Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri call for a return of the revolutionary left, this text expresses a fear that this would lead only to more violence and failed political policy. Instead, it adopts an antifoundationalist stance drawn from the hermeneutic thought of Martin Heidegger, Jacques Derrida, and Richard Rorty. Hermeneutic communism leaves aside the ideal of development and the general call for revolution; it relies on interpretation rather than truth and proves more flexible in different contexts. Hermeneutic communism motivates a resistance to capitalism's inequalities yet intervenes against violence.Less
Having lost much of its political clout and theoretical power, communism no longer represents an appealing alternative to capitalism. In its original Marxist formulation, communism promised an ideal of development, but only through a logic of war, and while a number of reformist governments still promote this ideology, their legitimacy has steadily declined since the fall of the Berlin wall. Separating communism from its metaphysical foundations, which include an abiding faith in the immutable laws of history and an almost holy conception of the proletariat, this text recasts Marx's theories at a time when capitalism's metaphysical moorings—in technology, empire, and industrialization—are buckling. While Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri call for a return of the revolutionary left, this text expresses a fear that this would lead only to more violence and failed political policy. Instead, it adopts an antifoundationalist stance drawn from the hermeneutic thought of Martin Heidegger, Jacques Derrida, and Richard Rorty. Hermeneutic communism leaves aside the ideal of development and the general call for revolution; it relies on interpretation rather than truth and proves more flexible in different contexts. Hermeneutic communism motivates a resistance to capitalism's inequalities yet intervenes against violence.
Himanshu Jha
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190124786
- eISBN:
- 9780190991234
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190124786.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics, Asian Politics
This chapter examines the emerging processes in the second phase (1989–2005), which is treated as the second and final layer. It shows that the incremental effect of emerging ideas on the state’s ...
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This chapter examines the emerging processes in the second phase (1989–2005), which is treated as the second and final layer. It shows that the incremental effect of emerging ideas on the state’s thinking resulted in tangible policy movements and led to institutional change. We show that in the final stage of layering the transition from ‘opposition’ to ‘mainstream’ politics was consequential in institutional change. Nascent ideas emanating from the ‘opposition politics’ got embedded within the ‘mainstream politics’ resulting in political commitment and tangible policy actions. The rudimentary ideas on the norm of openness matured and were consolidated within the state thinking and reached a tipping point in 2005. The weight and momentum of ideas incrementally rendered the issues of openness and access to official information a sine qua non within the state.Less
This chapter examines the emerging processes in the second phase (1989–2005), which is treated as the second and final layer. It shows that the incremental effect of emerging ideas on the state’s thinking resulted in tangible policy movements and led to institutional change. We show that in the final stage of layering the transition from ‘opposition’ to ‘mainstream’ politics was consequential in institutional change. Nascent ideas emanating from the ‘opposition politics’ got embedded within the ‘mainstream politics’ resulting in political commitment and tangible policy actions. The rudimentary ideas on the norm of openness matured and were consolidated within the state thinking and reached a tipping point in 2005. The weight and momentum of ideas incrementally rendered the issues of openness and access to official information a sine qua non within the state.
Thomas Rath
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- July 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780807839287
- eISBN:
- 9781469608365
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of North Carolina Press
- DOI:
- 10.5149/northcarolina/9780807839287.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Latin American History
This Introduction starts by describing a military incident that happened in Mexico, and thus explains how the process of Mexican demilitarization started. The Introduction also focuses on the major ...
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This Introduction starts by describing a military incident that happened in Mexico, and thus explains how the process of Mexican demilitarization started. The Introduction also focuses on the major political policy petitions and complaints that were involved in this demilitarization process and tries to answer some important questions. Furthermore, it explores the role of the Mexican military in shaping the national political system at different levels in different places. Various imperative factors which are connected with the “postrevolutionary Mexican demilitarization” are examined. The Introduction also discusses some of the theories and ideas of important political activities, politicians, and “postrevisionist” historians. The later part of the Introduction outlines the chapters that follow.Less
This Introduction starts by describing a military incident that happened in Mexico, and thus explains how the process of Mexican demilitarization started. The Introduction also focuses on the major political policy petitions and complaints that were involved in this demilitarization process and tries to answer some important questions. Furthermore, it explores the role of the Mexican military in shaping the national political system at different levels in different places. Various imperative factors which are connected with the “postrevolutionary Mexican demilitarization” are examined. The Introduction also discusses some of the theories and ideas of important political activities, politicians, and “postrevisionist” historians. The later part of the Introduction outlines the chapters that follow.
Sabina Donati (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804784511
- eISBN:
- 9780804787338
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804784511.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
“Becoming Visible”: Italian Women and Their Male Co-Citizens in the Liberal State
“Becoming Visible”: Italian Women and Their Male Co-Citizens in the Liberal State
Fran Baum
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190258948
- eISBN:
- 9780190258979
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190258948.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
Governing for Health makes the argument that it is vital that governments and international agencies govern in the interests of protecting the environment and promoting human health and equity. A ...
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Governing for Health makes the argument that it is vital that governments and international agencies govern in the interests of protecting the environment and promoting human health and equity. A healthy society results from the organized efforts of every sector in society to promote health in all activities. The book examines how this can be done in the fiscal, health service, education, urban planning, environment, and local government sectors. It also promotes the crucial role of civil society in advocating for the health of people and the environment. The importance of the work of each sector to health is described, and the ways in which that work can be made more health promoting are examined. Each chapter contains practical examples of changes that can be made if governing for health is privileged. A key message of the book is that in the last decades economic considerations have come to dominate public decision-making so that governing for profit has been the single-minded aim of governments. The book argues passionately that new priorities are required that see all sectors governing for the needs of people and the environment rather than for short-term profits. The book also contains a chapter directed to politicians, suggesting a manifesto for well-being. It concludes by distilling the messages of the book into six central messages for governing for health, and ends with a plea that hope and courage should dominate decision-making.Less
Governing for Health makes the argument that it is vital that governments and international agencies govern in the interests of protecting the environment and promoting human health and equity. A healthy society results from the organized efforts of every sector in society to promote health in all activities. The book examines how this can be done in the fiscal, health service, education, urban planning, environment, and local government sectors. It also promotes the crucial role of civil society in advocating for the health of people and the environment. The importance of the work of each sector to health is described, and the ways in which that work can be made more health promoting are examined. Each chapter contains practical examples of changes that can be made if governing for health is privileged. A key message of the book is that in the last decades economic considerations have come to dominate public decision-making so that governing for profit has been the single-minded aim of governments. The book argues passionately that new priorities are required that see all sectors governing for the needs of people and the environment rather than for short-term profits. The book also contains a chapter directed to politicians, suggesting a manifesto for well-being. It concludes by distilling the messages of the book into six central messages for governing for health, and ends with a plea that hope and courage should dominate decision-making.
Scott Valentine
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199862726
- eISBN:
- 9780197563236
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199862726.003.0005
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Sustainability
As outlined in Chapter 1, the main intention of this book is to identify and explain forces that catalyze or prevent a more robust diffusion of wind power in the ...
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As outlined in Chapter 1, the main intention of this book is to identify and explain forces that catalyze or prevent a more robust diffusion of wind power in the electricity sector. This chapter lays the groundwork for such an analysis by introducing and describing the main features of a common framework that can be used for guiding analysis and development of wind power development policy. The main merit of applying a common framework to case study analysis is that it makes it possible to compare wind power policies in different nations and highlight similarities and differences. In the best case scenario, comparative analysis will unearth sufficient commonalities to construct theory to help us better understand what causes wind power to flourish in one nation and flounder in another. Even if sufficient commonalities are not uncovered, a comprehensive analysis using a common framework will at least provide insight into which issues are of greatest importance in a given national context and the scale and scope of how influential variables interconnect to shape wind power development prospects. In 1983, Thomas Hughes published a book titled Networks of Power in which he described the evolution of electrification in Western society from 1880 to 1930. In undertaking his analysis, Hughes observed that the diffusion of electrification occurred amidst a “seamless web” of social, technical, economic, and political causal factors that engender the development of a specific technological regime. In his own words:. . . Electric power systems embody the physical, intellectual and symbolic resources of the society that constructs them. Therefore, in explaining changes in the configuration of power systems, the historian must examine the changing resources and aspirations of organizations, groups and individuals. Electric power systems made in different societies—as well as in different times—involve certain basic technical components and connections, but variations in the basic essentials often reveal variations in resources, traditions, political arrangements, and economic practices from one society to another and from one time to another. In a sense, electric power systems, like so much other technology, are both causes and effects of social change. . . . Power systems reflect and influence the context, but they also develop an internal dynamic. . . .
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As outlined in Chapter 1, the main intention of this book is to identify and explain forces that catalyze or prevent a more robust diffusion of wind power in the electricity sector. This chapter lays the groundwork for such an analysis by introducing and describing the main features of a common framework that can be used for guiding analysis and development of wind power development policy. The main merit of applying a common framework to case study analysis is that it makes it possible to compare wind power policies in different nations and highlight similarities and differences. In the best case scenario, comparative analysis will unearth sufficient commonalities to construct theory to help us better understand what causes wind power to flourish in one nation and flounder in another. Even if sufficient commonalities are not uncovered, a comprehensive analysis using a common framework will at least provide insight into which issues are of greatest importance in a given national context and the scale and scope of how influential variables interconnect to shape wind power development prospects. In 1983, Thomas Hughes published a book titled Networks of Power in which he described the evolution of electrification in Western society from 1880 to 1930. In undertaking his analysis, Hughes observed that the diffusion of electrification occurred amidst a “seamless web” of social, technical, economic, and political causal factors that engender the development of a specific technological regime. In his own words:. . . Electric power systems embody the physical, intellectual and symbolic resources of the society that constructs them. Therefore, in explaining changes in the configuration of power systems, the historian must examine the changing resources and aspirations of organizations, groups and individuals. Electric power systems made in different societies—as well as in different times—involve certain basic technical components and connections, but variations in the basic essentials often reveal variations in resources, traditions, political arrangements, and economic practices from one society to another and from one time to another. In a sense, electric power systems, like so much other technology, are both causes and effects of social change. . . . Power systems reflect and influence the context, but they also develop an internal dynamic. . . .