On Parties, Party Systems and Democracy Selected writings of Peter Mair [Paperback]

This collection brings together some of the most significant and influential work by leading comparativist Peter Mair (19512011). The selection ranges from considerations on the relevance of concept formation to the study of party systems and party organisations; and from reflections on the democratic legitimacy of the European Union to the future of party democracy.'&a suitable tribute to an intellectual giant in the field of comparative politics.'This collection brings together some of the most significant and influential work by leading comparativist Peter Mair (19512011).This collection brings together some of the most significant and influential work by leading comparativist Peter Mair (19512011). The selection ranges from considerations on the relevance of concept formation to the study of party systems and party organisations; and from reflections on the democratic legitimacy of the European Union to the future of party democracy. Including frequently cited papers alongside lesser-known work, the writings collected in this volume attest to the broad scope and depth of Mairs insights into comparative party politics, and the changing realities of party government. As such, they form an important and enduring contribution to the study of politics, and a fitting tribute to an inspirational and much-missed figure in the global political science community. Edited and introduced by Ingrid van Biezen, with an intellectual portrait of Peter Mair by Stefano Bartolini and Hans Daalder.ContentsList of Figures and Tables xiPreface and Acknowledgements xvSources xviiIntroduction: On Parties, Party Systems and Democracy 1by Ingrid van BiezenPeter Mair: An Intellectual Portrait 25by Stefano Bartolini and Hans DaalderPart One: Comparative PoliticsChapter One: Comparative Politics: An Overview (1996) 45Chapter Two: Concepts and Concept Formation (2008) 71Part Two: National PoliticsChapter Three: The Autonomy of the Political:The Development of the Irish Party System (1979)ls(