Hardback
Understanding Referendums
The Comparative Politics of Direct Democracy
9781035332434 Edward Elgar Publishing
This incisive book provides a nuanced and authoritative analysis of referendums. Matt Qvortrup applies diverse theoretical and empirical approaches to show how direct democracy is being undermined from the top, and suggests innovative ways in which the referendum can be adapted to once again serve the interests of the many.
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Critical Acclaim
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This incisive book provides a nuanced and authoritative analysis of referendums. Matt Qvortrup applies diverse theoretical and empirical approaches to show how direct democracy is being undermined from the top, and suggests innovative ways in which the referendum can be adapted to once again serve the interests of the many.
Drawing on in-depth case studies, the chapters delve into the history, effects and political theory of direct democracy, and examine proposals for reform. Qvortrup explores these aspects through various lenses, from historical institutionalism to game theory, and considers different types of referendum including plebiscites, citizens’ initiatives, ad hoc and constitutional referendums. Ultimately, the book argues that the referendum, with a few notable exceptions, is predominantly a strategic tool in the hands of the political elite.
Understanding Referendums is an invaluable resource for students and researchers in political science, regulation and governance, law and public policy. It is also beneficial to journalists, political consultants and activists interested in referendums and political reform.
Drawing on in-depth case studies, the chapters delve into the history, effects and political theory of direct democracy, and examine proposals for reform. Qvortrup explores these aspects through various lenses, from historical institutionalism to game theory, and considers different types of referendum including plebiscites, citizens’ initiatives, ad hoc and constitutional referendums. Ultimately, the book argues that the referendum, with a few notable exceptions, is predominantly a strategic tool in the hands of the political elite.
Understanding Referendums is an invaluable resource for students and researchers in political science, regulation and governance, law and public policy. It is also beneficial to journalists, political consultants and activists interested in referendums and political reform.
Critical Acclaim
‘The study of direct democracy - initiatives and referendums - has taken place largely at the periphery of modern political science, seeking to understand the implications of this unique form of lawmaking on political and policy outcomes. In this sweeping treatment, Qvortrup brings the study of direct democracy squarely to the mainstream - using foundational political science theories to understand and illuminate the process, and in turn helping to refine those core theories. The result is a must-read collection that reorients the study of comparative politics and provides a richer understanding of direct democracy.’
– Elisabeth Gerber, University of Michigan, US
‘I will gladly put aside many things to read a new book by Matt Qvortrup. I’ll learn something, of course, but more importantly, I’ll enjoy the process. So it is with this volume, which disrupts what we thought we knew about direct democracy. Have a pen in hand – you will find yourself taking notes and wishing that you could write like this.’
– Zach Elkins, University of Texas at Austin, USA
– Elisabeth Gerber, University of Michigan, US
‘I will gladly put aside many things to read a new book by Matt Qvortrup. I’ll learn something, of course, but more importantly, I’ll enjoy the process. So it is with this volume, which disrupts what we thought we knew about direct democracy. Have a pen in hand – you will find yourself taking notes and wishing that you could write like this.’
– Zach Elkins, University of Texas at Austin, USA
