Local Government in Europe: New Perspectives and Democratic Challenges

Drawing on classical and emerging research perspectives, this comprehensive book provides an up-to-date review of local government in Europe.

Featuring an impressive range of contributors from both eastern and western Europe, the book addresses three main topics: territorial reforms, democratic empowerment of citizens and the role of local leadership, as well as new trends in local finances.

Acknowledging their inherent diversity, the book examines the ways that local governments have responded to shared challenges, such as climate change, increasing populism and democratic deficit in order to identify both the variety and communalities between the country-specific features. In doing so, it provides a rich picture of the latest trends in local government, as well as pointing the way for future developments.

Wirginia Aksztejn is Research Assistant at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Warsaw.

Robin Hambleton is Emeritus Professor of City Leadership in the Faculty of Environment and Technology at the University of the West of England, Bristol and Director of Urban Answers. An expert on urban innovation, city management and local governance, he was the founding President of the European Urban Research Association (EURA) and Dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Marta Lackowska is Professor in the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Warsaw, Poland.

Katarzyna Szmigiel-Rawska is Professor in the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Warsaw, Poland.

Filipe Teles is Assistant Professor in the Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences at the University of Aveiro, Portugal.