Political leadership in a global age. The experiences of France and Norway

Abstract:

The phrase 'Cometh the hour, cometh the man' suggests that leaders emerge in response to external influences. This book seeks to understand the influences that globalisation has had on leadership in the political spheres of France and Norway.

The book is comprised of four main sections, an introduction and conclusion, and an epilogue. The contrast and comparison of the two states ranges over such topics as the changing international climate and attitudes towards globalisation, the divisions in national politics and political parties. The work examines issues such as French regional leadership and economic strategies and the Norwegian regions' role as development agents. The final section explores local democracy and management, seeking answers to the increased disaffection and abstention in France and the pressures on urban politics in both countries. The conclusion explores the historical references for the changes taking place in response to globalisation, and the epilogue proposes an agenda for future research.

The work will interest students, scholars, policy researchers and practitioners engaged in the fields of Public Administration and Government, Comparative Politics and Economics.