The Europeanization of Interest Groups in Malta and Ireland

This comparative work examines the political and social context of interest groups in Malta and Ireland, two small island states at the periphery of an integrated continent. The author explores the impact of the European Union on their civil society's organizations and their gradual transformation at differing speeds and logics of Europeanization.

"This outstanding study addresses a neglected niche in policy analysis: the impact of Europeanization on civil society in member states. Using Ireland and Malta as the focus, the author cleverly explores how interest groups in these two states have responded to EU membership. Furthermore, his rigorous methodology should serve as a model for similar studies on the impact of aspects of Europeanization in other member states." - Godfrey A. Pirotta, Professor of Government and Policy Studies, University of Malta

"This book provides a cutting-edge comparative analysis of interest group adaptation in Ireland and Malta, addressing both gaps. Its innovative methods and empirical findings will be of interest to all students of Europeanization." - Simon Bulmer, Professor of European Politics, University of Sheffield, UK

Autorentext

Mario Thomas Vassallo is Lecturer in the Department of Public Policy, University of Malta. He is the editor of the book series Public Life in Malta, which contains academic papers on governance, politics, and public affairs in the European Union's smallest member state. His main research interest is in governance and civil society, but he also works on other areas of Maltese and European politics, including local government and public sector management. He is also a contributor to radio programs featuring the connection between music, films, and politics.

Inhalt

Contents List of tables List of figures Acknowledgements List of abbreviations 1. Introduction: Setting the conceptual and empirical platform 2. Interest representation: From behavioural to institutional models 3. Interest groups: Their typology, strategies and input towards policy success 4. Maltese and Irish soil: Configuring small polity terrain 5. Trade unions and employers' associations: Identifying signs of continuity and change 6. Social, Human Rights and Environmental Groups: Identifying signs of continuity and change 7. Putting it all together: Decoding the extent and nature of Europeanization 8. Conclusion: Going beyond the conceptual and empirical platform Bibliography Appendix A Questionnaire respondents Appendix B Structured questionnaire guide Appendix C Interviews' participants