The search for good government: understanding the paradox of Italian democracy

Observers have frequently noted that Italians seem skilled at many things - but not at good government. As a people Italians are said to have flair, panache, and tenacity, while as a polity Italy is in shambles. This paradoxical view of politics can be found in Italian history as far back as Guicciardini and Machiavelli. Nor is it unique to Italy, for the social dilemma of "rational individuals and irrational society" has, since Hobbes, produced a large literature on social theory and comparative politics, as well as numerous questionable suggestions for policy. In The Search for Good Government Filippo Sabetti examines Italian politics to reassess habitual presumptions in comparative politics, opening new territory in the art and science of institutional analysis.