Maurizio Cotta

This incisive book examines the role of the EU in times of crises. Maurizio Cotta illustrates its evolution as a tool for crisis resolution, demonstrating how initial contentious issues and a lack of infrastructure have been overcome via solidarity and resilience. Chapters investigate why and when a national level crisis ascends to European level and analyse the extent to which recent decades are becoming increasingly turbulent. To explore the processes involved in crafting European institutional and policy solutions, Cotta assesses three major events: the financial crash of 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Evaluating the limits and capabilities of the EU, these case studies bring into question the value of its intervention in crisis events. The book advances understanding of not only how the EU provides aid in turbulent times, but also how such crises shape the way in which the EU functions. EU Politics in a Turbulent Era is a crucial resource for students and scholars of international relations, comparative politics and European politics and public policy. It is also beneficial to political officials and policymakers interested in the operation of the EU during tumultuous eras.

The book focuses on the most recent developments in Italian politics, particularly those of the last 10-15 years. A longer historical perspective, covering the post-war period, is also supplied, providing the reader with the tools for understanding this period of change. The authors address a number of themes, paradoxes and problems inherent to Italian politics. The first theme concerns the shifting balance between the central administration and the periphery. The second theme concerns the divide between governing parties and permanent oppositions. The third theme relates to the mix of political discontinuity and instability with a simultaneous stability of political parties. Finally, the book considers the relationship between the Italian domestic system and the international system. In particular, it examines the impact of the East-West international divide on Italian politics and the Italian party system, and the relationship between Italy and Europe, and Italy's strong support of European integration.