“Globalisation and Democratic Politics”

Marie Curie Actions- Workshop

University of Exeter

16^th of June 2010

Workshop Synopsis

An extensive literature debates whether or not the process of globalisation is leaving a significant imprint on democratic politics. The arguments that have been put forward suggest that economic openness can modify policy proposals from the supply side (political parties), constrain the policy options of states or political elites, reduce the accountability of governments to their voters’ and affect the latter’s notions of efficacy as political actors.

The aim of this workshop is to add to these debates by putting forward an up-to- date, state of the art, theoretical and empirical treatment of the topic. We are inviting a small number of scholars who have previously worked on, or currently are concerned with, the field, to discuss some of the following, indicative, research questions:

· Which are the theoretical expectations regarding the effect that globalisation in trade and finance might have on contemporary representative democracies?

· How has globalisation affected the behaviour and attitudes of voters?

· Has it reduced the saliency of existing social cleavages and policy dimensions?

· What are the latest developments regarding economic openness and the behaviour of political elites (supply side politics)?

· Is the recent economic crisis expected to transform or modify any of the patterns identified thus far, regarding the relation between globalisation and democratic politics.

Workshop Programme

9.15-9.30am

Welcome and Introductions

9.30-10.30am
“Opening up the Agenda’”
Jack Vowles, University of Exeter

Discussion

Coffee Break

11.00-12.30pm
Chair: Jeff Karp
 “Does Globalisation Weaken Accountability and Representation?”
Steve Fisher, University of Oxford
Globalisation and the Quality of Elections”
Sarah Birch, University of Essex

Lunch Break

2-3.30pm
Chair Georgios Xezonakis
 “The World Economy Political Control and Responsibility Attributions”
Tim Hellwig, Indiana University
“The Buck Stops Over There? Globalisation and Electoral Accountability”
Mark Andreas Kayser, Hertie School of Governance

Coffee Break

4-5.30 Chair: Tim Hellwig
 “From Valence to Positional Issues. Is Globalisation the Cause?”
Jack Vowles, Georgios Xezonakis, University of Exeter
 “Letting the Gini Out of the Bottle: Turnout, Globalization, and Inequality in Old and New Democracies
Jeff Karp, Jack Vowles

5.30-6pm
 Next Steps- General Discussion

Evening: Workshop Dinner

6.30 PM DRINKS

8 PM THE PUFFING BILLY, EXTON