Does globalization erode the nation state's capacity to act? Are nation states forced to change their policies even if this goes against the democratic will of their electorates? How does government action change under conditions of globalization? Questions like these have not only featured highly in political debates in recent years, but also in academic discourse. This book seeks to contribute to that debate. The general question it addresses is whether globalization leads to policy convergence -- a central, but contested topic in the debate, as theoretical arguments can be advanced both in favour of and against the likelihood of such a development. More specifically, the book contains detailed empirical case studies of four countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland) in a policy area where state action has been particularly challenged by the emergence of world-wide, around-the-clock financial markets in the last few decades, namely that of the regulation and supervision of the banking industry. Based on careful analysis of historical developments, specific challenges, the character of policy networks and institutions, and their interaction in the political process, this book argues that nation states still possess considerable room for manouevre in pursuing their policies. Even if they choose supranational coordination and cooperation, their national institutional configurations still function as filters in the globalization process. This book is of particular value to readers interested in the politics and policies of globalization, the interaction of business communities and the political system in different countries, and students of comparative politics interested in detailed case studies of policy-making.

About the Author
Andreas Busch is Chair of Comparative Political Economy, Department of Political Science, University of Goettingen. He holds a doctorate and a Habilitation in political science from the University of Heidelberg, where he also was Assistant Professor from 1993 to 2000. In 1997/98 he was John F. Kennedy Memorial Fellow at the Center for European Studies of Harvard University.

Reviews
The book offers four detailed country case studies - The United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and Switzerland - that analyse the regimes of banking regulation over a period of 25 years from 1974 to 1999... Banking Regulation and Globalization's country case studies provide an excellent historical context and a thorough description of the actors involved in regulation, as well as highlighting the specific challenges posed domestically and globally... Andreas Busch's book stands out because of the extent of material covered, its careful observations and elaborate cross-comparative analysis. It is thus a worth-while contribution on the subject of politics of regulation. * Hans Trees, Political Studies Review. *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199218813
Author Andreas Busch
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 615g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 162mm * 22mm