Multi-Level Governance, Paperback Book, By: Matthew Flinders

The power and future role of nation states are a topic of increasing importance. The dispersion of authority both vertically to supranational and subnational institutions and horizontally to non-state actors has challenged the structure and capacity of national governments. Multi-level governance has emerged as an important concept for understanding the dynamic relationships between state and non-state actors within territorially overarching networks. Multi-level Governance explores definitions and applications of the concept by drawing on contributions from scholars with different concerns within the broad discipline of Political Studies. It contends that new analytical frameworks that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries and epistemological positions are essential for comprehending the changing nature of governance. In this context, this volume undertakes a critical assessment of both the potentialities and the limitations of multi-level governance. About the Author Matthew Flinders was awarded the Political Studies Association's Richard Rose Prize 2004. Judges' Citation'Dr Flinders has focused on a set of topics of central relevance to British Government and politics: the institutions and mechanisms of accountability and responsibility. In doing so he has addressed an interesting and important question in a fresh way. He has combined a strong sense of the historical evolution of the conventions of British government since the mid-nineteenth century; shown how the contemporary practice of British government has diverged from the assumptions underlying these now obsolete conventions; and identified multiple mechanisms that have been invoked in attempts to fill the gap left by parliamentary non-accountability. Flinders' publications show the ability to use relevant concepts to clarify and organize information without losing sight of ambiguities and complexities.'