Bull, MJ and Rhodes, M 1997, 'Between crisis and transition: Italian politics in the 1990s' , West European Politics, 20 (1) , pp. 1-13.

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Abstract

The Italian political system is both dynamic and sclerotic, adaptable and blocked, and with a surprising degree of institutional inertia. While some aspects of the system are adjusting to the new challenges of the decade, other areas are adapting much more slowly, despite the headline-grabbing political upheavals of recent years. Indeed, paradoxically, it is those areas which appear to have witnessed the most dramatic changes (and specifically the political parties) which are proving to be most dilatory in driving Italy's transition forward. This combination of vigour and stagnation lies at the heart of the Italian paradox; and while the transition remains incomplete, so the 'crisis' will continue.

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