Routledge Polder Politics: The Re-Invention of Consensus Democracy in the Netherlands (Routledge Revivals)

This title was first published in 2001: Under the name of the "polder model", the Dutch model of democracy has received favourable attention from journalists, administrators and political leaders. This book presents a thorough analysis of Dutch democracy as a specimen of consensus democracy. The Dutch administrative tradition of consensus, consultation and compromise is reflected in current trends towards networks and new interactive technologies. This insightful account is an excellent resource for courses on European studies, comparative politics, public policy and administration. Review ’The authors of this volume demonstrate the existence of a number of interesting paradoxes in the success of the Dutch economy and polity. Identifying paradoxes and contradictions is a useful means of approaching a complex and multi-faceted problem, and the papers included here point out how expectations are often shattered by the complex realities of the political and social world. The Dutch case is indeed a complex one but one that can serve not so much as a model for other countries as proof that no single model is required to govern effectively. As such, this book deserves to be read widely by academics and practitioners interested in governing, economic policy and civil society.’ Benjamin Guy Peters ’Hendricks and Toonen have assembled an invaluable set of insights on contemporary Dutch politics.’ West European Politics