ABSTRACT Involvement of the state in the domestic economy has long been considered as useful for ... more ABSTRACT Involvement of the state in the domestic economy has long been considered as useful for enhancing public welfare in modern society. However, since the 1980s the expenditures devoted to support the domestic economy show a downward and converging development in most OECD countries. This development is examined by means of a comparative analysis over time. Three possible explanations are analysed: firstly, the `politics' of fiscal stringency in order to curb `big' government; secondly, the impact of trans-national pressure, in this case from the EMU; and thirdly, the impact of party politics and government in relation to budget choices that affect spending levels on state economic support. The analysis demonstrates that lower levels of state economic support are because of the development of total government outlays and consequently non-welfare or `core' expenditures are traded off in favour of welfare spending. Furthermore, EMU requirements affect this development. Finally, these developments vary cross-nationally owing to where a `policy legacy' of the Left (high levels of public spending) existed before the 1980s and where the Right is present in government after 1980.
ABSTRACT Dutch politics has experienced quite some change since the 1980s. In the past, these cha... more ABSTRACT Dutch politics has experienced quite some change since the 1980s. In the past, these changes are due to contextual developments like the ending of the Cold War and the broadening and deepening of the EU. At the same time Dutch society has changed as well as its socio-economic profile and performance. This special issue examines the effects of these changes on the working of the Dutch political system. In a nutshell it signifies a farewell to consociationalism.Acta Politica (2008) 43, 149-153. doi:10.1057/ap.2008.5
In the debate about the relationship between institutions and overall economic performance, the d... more In the debate about the relationship between institutions and overall economic performance, the dependent variable has received scant attention in contrast to the independent variable(s). This paper tries to enhance the understanding of the link between institutions ...
ABSTRACT Involvement of the state in the domestic economy has long been considered as useful for ... more ABSTRACT Involvement of the state in the domestic economy has long been considered as useful for enhancing public welfare in modern society. However, since the 1980s the expenditures devoted to support the domestic economy show a downward and converging development in most OECD countries. This development is examined by means of a comparative analysis over time. Three possible explanations are analysed: firstly, the `politics' of fiscal stringency in order to curb `big' government; secondly, the impact of trans-national pressure, in this case from the EMU; and thirdly, the impact of party politics and government in relation to budget choices that affect spending levels on state economic support. The analysis demonstrates that lower levels of state economic support are because of the development of total government outlays and consequently non-welfare or `core' expenditures are traded off in favour of welfare spending. Furthermore, EMU requirements affect this development. Finally, these developments vary cross-nationally owing to where a `policy legacy' of the Left (high levels of public spending) existed before the 1980s and where the Right is present in government after 1980.
ABSTRACT Dutch politics has experienced quite some change since the 1980s. In the past, these cha... more ABSTRACT Dutch politics has experienced quite some change since the 1980s. In the past, these changes are due to contextual developments like the ending of the Cold War and the broadening and deepening of the EU. At the same time Dutch society has changed as well as its socio-economic profile and performance. This special issue examines the effects of these changes on the working of the Dutch political system. In a nutshell it signifies a farewell to consociationalism.Acta Politica (2008) 43, 149-153. doi:10.1057/ap.2008.5
In the debate about the relationship between institutions and overall economic performance, the d... more In the debate about the relationship between institutions and overall economic performance, the dependent variable has received scant attention in contrast to the independent variable(s). This paper tries to enhance the understanding of the link between institutions ...
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Papers by Hans Keman