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Governance and Politics of the Netherlands
The assassination of Pim Fortuyn and his party's dramatic gains in the May 2002 general election made Dutch politics front page news around the world. The collapse of the party he founded, however, was as rapid as its rise, leading to equally dramatic changes in 2003. This revised and updated new edition of the leading text looks behind the headlines to provide a comprehensive introduction to governance and politics in the Netherlands. The authors explore the causes, impact and advantages and disadvantages of the quest for consensus, which remains its most striking characteristic, and provide full coverage of recent developments and events.
264 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 24, 2018
3.5 stars
Interesting, but rather dense. Tends to throw in irrelevant details.
Interesting, but rather dense. Tends to throw in irrelevant details.
November 28, 2020
The book covers a lot of ground for this small nation of just about 17 million people, nestled next to Germany and near other small nations. It did it in an organized, clear manner. I know much more about their government than I do about most nations.
A big portion of the book emphasized their unique government – central control and a government that puts cooperation high on their values. The Queen has more control than I thought. Voters determine less than I thought, including not voting for their own mayors.
The portion on organized labor was especially important. It speaks about how until the 1970’s, about 40% of all workers were members of a union but that dropped to about 24% in 1990 but increased to 29% by 2000. Yet, like in Germany, other employers are stuck with the labor agreement in so many ways and that employers pay union a fee per employee similar to union dues but can’t be used for strike activities. It was very interesting when the authors wrote: the “low density rates may not be a good indicator of strength of Dutch trade union.” 29%-40%!
What I didn’t know is the split between the Catholics and protestants were historically so strong and such an important part of their party system. The Catholics had it all back then – their church, schools, Catholic home for elderly, Catholic graveyard, and even a Catholic political party. Catholics were certainly a click that hung out just for themselves at one point; in 1960, only 5.3% of all married Catholics had a non-Catholic spouse.
For being a small country, the Netherlands had far reach in the 17th century with colonization throughout the world. Even in 1951, they still had New Guinea, but earlier had many parts of the world from America to Africa to Asia and South America. They ended up as a highly producing, smaller country with a clear political process that is very unique.
Glad I read this book.
A big portion of the book emphasized their unique government – central control and a government that puts cooperation high on their values. The Queen has more control than I thought. Voters determine less than I thought, including not voting for their own mayors.
The portion on organized labor was especially important. It speaks about how until the 1970’s, about 40% of all workers were members of a union but that dropped to about 24% in 1990 but increased to 29% by 2000. Yet, like in Germany, other employers are stuck with the labor agreement in so many ways and that employers pay union a fee per employee similar to union dues but can’t be used for strike activities. It was very interesting when the authors wrote: the “low density rates may not be a good indicator of strength of Dutch trade union.” 29%-40%!
What I didn’t know is the split between the Catholics and protestants were historically so strong and such an important part of their party system. The Catholics had it all back then – their church, schools, Catholic home for elderly, Catholic graveyard, and even a Catholic political party. Catholics were certainly a click that hung out just for themselves at one point; in 1960, only 5.3% of all married Catholics had a non-Catholic spouse.
For being a small country, the Netherlands had far reach in the 17th century with colonization throughout the world. Even in 1951, they still had New Guinea, but earlier had many parts of the world from America to Africa to Asia and South America. They ended up as a highly producing, smaller country with a clear political process that is very unique.
Glad I read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2021
Comprehensive treatment of the subject.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews