The Relevance of the State for Party System Change

Abstract

This paper argues that the state is relevant for explaining differences in the dynamics of West European parties and party systems, presenting a comprehensive framework illustrated by a number of empirical examples, followed by a systematic comparison of Austria and France. The state was highly relevant for party and party system dynamics in France. In Austria the state helps to explain both the long party system stability and more recent changes, offset by changes in the institutional environment.