Handbook on Coalition Politics

This comprehensive Handbook explores how coalition governments function, from their creation to their dissolution, examining the challenges and opportunities they present in modern democracies. Drawing on the latest research, contributing authors outline the impact of institutions, voter behaviour and party dynamics in shaping coalition politics.

Leading experts discuss the coalition life cycle, analysing how political parties negotiate to form coalitions, divide responsibilities and spoils of office, govern together and then eventually face decisions about ending their partnership. Chapters investigate empirical findings and case studies from diverse political systems across Europe, and assess the role of coalitions in parliamentary, presidential and semi-presidential systems. They highlight the ways in which methodological innovations including text analysis, agent-based modelling and new statistical techniques have transformed our understanding of coalition politics.

Ultimately, the Handbook sheds light on how coalitions are managed in a fragmented political landscape where ideological differences and the rise of populist parties make governing together increasingly complex.

Scholars and students of comparative political science, public policy, European and international politics and legislative studies will greatly benefit from this illuminating Handbook. Combining academic theory with real-world practice, it is also a crucial resource for practitioners and policymakers working in regulation and governance, public administration and leadership.