Governance and Intergovernmental Relations in the European Union and the United States: Theoretical Perspectives

`This book provides solid academic evidence of a lively debate and dialogue between US and EU scholars about multi-level governance (MLG) and intergovernmental relations (IGR). Beyond the contingencies of the terms and the path dependency of their historical developments, there are elements of convergence and overlap. This publication is a good example of how academic transatlantic dialogues result in a stronger understanding of the premises of our concepts, and of the functioning of our systems.'
- Geert Bouckaert, Public Management Institute and European Group for Public Administration, Leuven, Belgium

This book represents a major attempt to draw together two fundamental streams of research: intergovernmental relations and multi-level governance (MLG). Combining US and European schools of thought, this timely volume outlines key areas of convergence and divergence.

IGR concerns interactions within the public sector and is traditionally favoured in America, whereas MLG is more pertinent to the crossroads of the vertical (intergovernmental) and horizontal (state-society) dimensions and is considered foremost a European approach. The principal objective of this book is to bridge the gap between academic communities on either side of the Atlantic. Prominent scholars have gathered together for this volume and their various contributions, both individually and as a whole, provide a fresh and novel perspective on IGR and MLG and their interconnections.

This innovative book will be of particular appeal to scholars and students of political science in America, Europe and beyond as well as practitioners in US and EU governments.

The companion volume Policy, Performance and Management in Governance and Intergovernmental Relations is also available from Edward Elgar Publishing.