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Explore the political landscapes of France, Germany, and Spain in the context of territorial politics, federalism, elections, parties, media, civil society, and European Union integration. Compare historical developments, constitutional structures, party systems, and governance approaches.
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European Issues States France Spain Germany Territorial politics sub-state issues European Union General Issues Federalism Elections, parties and electoral systems The media Civil society Issues Covered
States - France • Old state - classic unitary ‘nation-state’? • Republicanism - default system • 5th Republic - response to instability? • Strong centre - étatisme and dirigisme • Executive(s) • Weak parliament? • Political parties - left-right split, but system fragmentation
States - Germany • Old nation - new state • Regime instability and authoritarianism to stable democratic state • Post-war Germany and reunification • Federalism • Heads of state and government • Executive and legislature • Political parties • consensual and co-operative politics
States - Spain • Old state - many nations • Regime instability and authoritarianism to stable democratic state • Constitution - asymmetrically devolved • Executive and legislature • Centre-regions tension
Comparing States • How can we compare states? • What are the differences between our 3 case studies? • Historical context • Constitution / type of state • Political system • Executive • Legislature • Parties and elections
Regions in Europe • Challenges to the Nation-State • Regionalisation and Regionalism • Stateless Nations • Case studies (F, D, E, UK) • A Europe of the Regions? • Multi-level Governance - is there a regional level of EU governance?
The European Union • Why integration? • Historical development • Complex and evolving political system • Policy-making • Future • Nature of the EU • federal superstate? • intergovernmental organisation? • or something else?
Federalism • definitions • prerequisites • balancing centripetal and centrifugal forces • advantages and disadvantages • different ‘federalisms’ • asymmetric, quasi- federalism • devolution
Political Parties and Elections • Political parties and interest groups • history • functions of political parties • different systems (1st, 2nd and 3rd Worlds) • Elections - why have them? • Different systems
The Media • Definitions • The media and political communication • Communication models • Factors affecting the media • Using the media • Impact (Information? Or agenda-setting ? Or determinant of public opinion?) • The future
Civil Society • Definitions • History • Traditions and different interpretations • Civil society in western and non-western societies • Civil society and democratisation