Dismantling the Welfare State?

This book offers a careful examination of the politics of social policy in an era of austerity and conservative governance. Focusing on the administrations of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, Pierson provides a compelling explanation for the welfare state's durability and for the few occasions where each government was able to achieve significant cutbacks. The programmes of...

This book offers a careful examination of the politics of social policy in an era of austerity and conservative governance. Focusing on the administrations of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, Pierson provides a compelling explanation for the welfare state's durability and for the few occasions where each government was able to achieve significant cutbacks. The programmes of the modern welfare state - the 'policy legacies' of previous governments - generally proved resistant to reform. Hemmed in by the political supports that have developed around mature social programmes, conservative opponents of the welfare state were successful only when they were able to divide the supporters of social programmes, compensate those negatively affected, or hide what they were doing from potential critics. The book will appeal to those interested in the politics of neo-conservatism as well as those concerned about the development of the modern welfare state. It will attract readers in the fields of comparative politics, public policy, and political economy.

中国已经成为理解比较政治经济学的重要案例，很高兴能够看到这些著作的出版。

——PeterGourevitch

在过去的三十年里，比较政治经济学领域成为理解不同资本主义模式的关键，而这套丛书则致力于出版这个领域内最重要的著作。它们是理解政经互动所不可缺少的篇章，而现代世界正是这个互动所创造的。

——PeterHall

这套丛书的出版激动人心，这也是连接中西学者的重要步骤。这些书将增进全球的学术和理念的交流。

——DaVidKang

在中国出版这套比较政治经济学丛书的重要性是怎样强调都不过分的。它将促进中国学者、学生与世界的对话。

——JoeIMigdaI