Competitive Disinflation

A valuable edition to the Politics, Culture and Society in the New Europe series, this fascinating book seeks to explain and explore the fortunes of the French Socialist party. The party is employed as a test case to examine the veracity of the 'crisis of social democracy' literature and its predictions for the future direction and fortunes of social democratic parties. Ben Clift extends his analysis in an attempt to define the wider relationship between social democracy and globalization. Topics covered in this seminal account include the ideological redefinition in the French parti socialiste, as well as the changing political economy of French socialism. After an in-depth party profile of the Jospin government, Clift concludes by investigating the political economy of the French Socialist electoral strategy.

This is the first in a series of annual reports on European economic developments by an international panel of distinguished economists, writing accessibly. Competitive Disinflation addresses one of the main areas of debate concerning economic developments in Europe: the extent to which the budgetary policy of national governments is competitive rather than cooperative. The discussion focuses on three particular cases, French macroeconomic policy since 1987, the reunification of Germany, and constraints imposed on national governments budgetary powers by membership of the EMU. This is a book about the radical alteration of the environment in which economic policy is formulated, with an analysis of options for action and a consideration of factors limiting the effectiveness of that action. It will be a stimulating read for all those, including students, who have an interest in macroeconomic policy issues in the context of European pressures.

DIVGauging the economic and political challenges to European integration /div

This text systematically traces the development of the British Conservative government's policy to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism from 1979 to 1994. The book provides information and insight into the development of ERM policy, which led to the downfall and discredit of the Conservative leadership. Revealing dramatic episodes in the progress of the policy, including a full account of the deterioration in the relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson, the author shows how the Thatcher government was torn apart, and the credibility of the Major government undermined.

Providing a comprehensive and definitive account of the negotiations that led up to the agreement on Economic and Monetary Union at Maastricht in December 1991, this book examines the dynamics of the treaty negotiations.

This volume contributes to the European debate on the best way of achieving Economic and Monetary Union, as agreed by the Treaty of Maastricht. Contributions are provided from a large group of experts, both academics and market participants from all EC countries.

The European Union and National Macroeconomic Policy examines the way in which the European Union has affected autonomy in the macro-economic policy making of the member states.

Three nations in similar economic situations since the 1970s have pursued different monetary strategies. Walsh argues that monetary policies produce predictable winners and losers, and that policy choice is a function of how industrial firms, banks and unions use their political resources.