NY DATO KOMMER | Party system development and change

What are political parties, how do they form and why do different countries have different party systems? Further, why have some parties adapted, others failed to do so, and new ones cropped up in the modern context of globalization? And what are the consequences for modern democracies?  

This seminar will focus on the development of parties and party systems in modern developed democracies, and how they have changed in recent years given globalization and especially in the context of European integration. We will discuss why there are differences in party systems both across countries and over time, as well as the consequences of these differences. We will conclude with a simulation in which you will attempt to form coalition governments given different party system configurations and vote shares.