Economic Decline and Political Change

Think of the 1970s, and images may include 'gas lines,' 'plant closures,' 'stagfration,' 'unemployment,' and an 'energy crisis.' The significance of this unlucky decade was in what it interrupted: the most prosperous period in Western history. The economic upheaval ran against the decades-long assumption of a continually expanding economy under the management of good state policy. . . . The articles in Economic Decline and Political Change are well grounded theoretically and well researched. The book's case studies, showing how 'political change' occurs in a climate of economic crisis, are a welcome addition to current political economy literature.

A contribution worthy of careful scrutiny. First, the authors highlight an important aspect of design so often ignored-they distinguish between Anglo-American and Continental democracies. Second, they provide critical perspectives on the often ignored psychological dimensions that forge a public's commitment to and support for those responsible for securing economic growth and prosperity.