Politics in Austria: Still a Case of Consociationalism?

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Austria was long regarded as an archetypal case of consociationalism, a classification based primarily upon the structure of its politics during the period of grand coalition government (1945-66). This volume examines the changes which have taken place in Austrian politics since that period of 'classic consociationalism'. It does so by means of six contributions, mainly from Austrian political scientists, each of which analyses the extent of change in one of what are identified in the opening chapter as having been the six 'core characteristics' of Austrian politics during the first two decades of the Second RepubHc. The decHne in subcultural encapsulation and the emergence of a new model of electoral competition is documented in a... Tovább

Fülszöveg

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MEdliEJl
Austria was long regarded as an archetypal case of consociationalism, a classification based primarily upon the structure of its politics during the period of grand coalition government (1945-66). This volume examines the changes which have taken place in Austrian politics since that period of 'classic consociationalism'. It does so by means of six contributions, mainly from Austrian political scientists, each of which analyses the extent of change in one of what are identified in the opening chapter as having been the six 'core characteristics' of Austrian politics during the first two decades of the Second RepubHc. The decHne in subcultural encapsulation and the emergence of a new model of electoral competition is documented in a chapter that provides a wealth of empirical evidence on Austrian political attitudes and voting behaviour. Austria's Lager parties are the subject of the second contribution, which investigates both their reduced capacity to mobilise and control their political subcultures, as well as changes in the nature of their interacdon in the various arenas of Austria's party system.
The third essay comprises a detailed examination of Austria's governmental institutions and shows how their role has altered from one of being mere 'rubber stamps' to being political actors in their own right. By contrast, there have been marked changes in the operation of Austrian corporatism and a decline in its political significance, as documented in the fourth chapter. Recent fundamental changes of priority in 'Austrokeynesian' economic policy and in Austria's foreign policy are the subject matter of the final two contributions.
Together these analyses demonstrate that Austria is clearly no longer the con-sociational pohty it once was. Moreover, should the recent re-orientation of Austria's foreign policy result in Austria's application for EC membership being successful, these changes are likely to become even more pronounced. Vissza