Challenging the East-West Divide: Insights from a Comparison of Ukraine and Italy
CEU Political Science Journal, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 192-221, 2011
30 Pages Posted: 21 May 2011 Last revised: 4 Jul 2011
Date Written: April 1, 2011
Abstract
This article examines how political behaviour has impeded the functioning of political institutions in Ukraine and Italy. It applies an actor-centered institutionalism and argues that even nondemocratic political elites can co-exist within a democratic framework. It analyzes actors’ conduct in regard to the democratic institutions of the constitution, judiciary and media. The article concludes by identifying three pillars of political elite power.
Keywords: political elite, Italy, Ukraine, informal power
JEL Classification: D72
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation