Party Leaders and their Selection Rules in Western Europe

This book examines the determinants of party leader selection rules in Western European countries and parties between the mid-1980s and the mid-2010s, analyzing the impact of party change and the personalization of politics. It combines quantitative analysis with in-depth explorations of two Italian parties and the (missed) opening of their leader selectorate. It highlights the importance of studying party leader selection rules in the context of declining parties and rising party leaders and concludes by discussing the future of Western European party leaders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate dynamics behind the openings in party leader selection rules (leaders selectorate) across 10 Western European countries and over 55 parties, spanning from the mid-1980s to the mid-2010s. Through a novel and insightful theoretical and empirical framework, it explores the profound impact of party change and the personalization of politics, particularly utilizing data derived from the pioneering expert survey on the personalization of politics in Western Europe, known as the PoPES. A quantitative analysis is complemented by in-depth examinations of two prominent Italian parties, the Italian Communist Party - Democratic Party of the Left and the Northern League, as well as an analysis of the missed opening of their leader selectorate. This book underscores the critical significance of examining party leader selection rules in the context of allegedly declining parties and the rise of charismatic party leaders, ultimately concluding with its findings placed within a broader discussion about the future of Western European party leaders.

This book will hold immense appeal to scholars and students specializing in political parties and party systems, leadership, political elites, elections, democracy, and various branches of Western European politics and comparative politics.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695453