Business, The State and Economic Policy: The Case of Italy

Italy has one of the world's most complex and fascinating political systems.The controversial rise of Silvio Berlusconi and the state of contemprary Italy can be better understood with an examination of the recent past of this intriguing country. G. Grant Amyot brings his critical eye upon the Italian business world, setting it in the context of Italy's place in hte international economy. He then traces the close, but chequered, relationship between capital, the state, and the political parties up to the election of one of the major business magnates, Silvio Berlusconi, as Prime Minister. The book compares Italy with the US, germany, and Japan while exploring the influence of economic realities, organized interests, and political institutions on the formation of policy in Italy. This interesting, readable and important book gives the reader an insight into the sources and workings of power in a major advanced industrial state. It will be appreciated by students and researchers with an interestin European politics, political theory, and political economy. It will also be a good tool for policy-makers and professionals with an interest in Italian business, economics and politics.

Grant Amyot is Associate Professor of Political Studies at Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.