Understanding Referendums: The Comparative Politics of Direct Democracy(Understanding series)

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.

Table of Contents:
Contents Preface 1 Introduction to understanding referendums: Getting started … 2 Methodological pluralism and earlier research: Kurosawa meets the Cuban Missile Crisis 3 The history of referendums: A brief overview with a slightly structural functionalist perspective 4 Historical institutionalism and referendums 5 Referendums and elite theory 6 Game theory, rational choice and referendums 7 Referendums, fuzzy sets and qualitative analysis: The case of votes on national, ethnic and border issues 8 Excursus: The effects of referendums 9 The political theory of the referendum 10 Referendums for realists: Reality and suggestions for reform 11 Il Grande Finale: Rashomon effect and referendums Bibliography

About the Author :
Matt Qvortrup, Professor, The Centre for European Studies, Australian National University and Adjunct Professor of Political Science, LUISS Guido Carli University of Rome, Italy

Review :
‘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.’ ‘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.’