Politics in Hard Times: Comparative Responses to International Economic Crises

by Peter A. Gourevitch

In Politics in Hard Times, Peter Gourevitch explores the common political factors that shape economic policy choices. He focuses on three periods of economic crisis--1873-1896, 1929-1949, and 1971 to the present--and compares policy choices made in Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Economics, Grad School

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 1986

Reviews

[mike osman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very important topic and very ambitious attempt to analyze policy responses in five countries (USA, UK, Germany, France, Sweden) in three different periods of international economic crisis (1870s, 1930s, 1970s). Gourevitch tries to explain policy responses by referring to the production profile (perhaps this means socioeconomic class), intermediate associations (e.g., political parties), state structures, economic ideology, and changes in the international system. Through his comparative approach, Gourevitch is able to show how some factors overrule others (e.g., how countries with entirely different internal political circumstances can pursue similar policies or vice versa). I especially enjoyed the earlier chapters because I am less familiar with, say, the politics of late 19th century Sweden, than 1930s Germany or 1980s America. Also, Gourevitch uses the "production profile" arguments well early on, but it seems to fade into the background later on in the book, which tends to focus more on party politics. Some parts of the book become a bit vague and theoretical, and could benefit from more concrete examples. The book is nevertheless very insightful and worth the read.

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

BORING!!!!!!! WAY TOO DRY!!!!! What was a “hard time” of this book was trying to finish it. If you’re deeply into the comparisons of the political economy (which I thought I was), this book is for YOU! The US, UK, Germany, France and Sweden are the case studies for this book.

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gourevitch provides useful frameworks and definitions but I find his writing fairly dry. I also think that I could have gotten his viewpoints in a more pointed and precise way from other sources.

[Tobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

on a short list of my favorite books of political science. erudite, ambitious in scope, sophisticated understanding of the politics of crisis.