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European Journal of Social Theory
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The Evolution of Parliaments and Societies in Europe

Challenges and Prospects

Tom R. Burns

UNIVERSITY OF UPPSALA

This article argues that parliamentary institutions have increasing difficulty in addressing and dealing with the growing complexity, highly technical character and rapidity of many developments in modern societies. Deficits in representation, in knowledge and competence, and in engagement or commitment effectively erode the authority and status of parliamentary government. Major rule- and policy-making activities are being substantially displaced from parliamentary bodies and central governments to global, regional and local agents as well as agents operating in the many sectors of a highly differentiated, modern society. Governance - and sovereignty - are increasingly diffused upward, downward and outward beyond parliament and its government. The author identifies problems, practical as well as normative, with this general development and discusses the possibilities and limitations of reform.

Key Words: civil society • democracy • expertise • governance • parliament

European Journal of Social Theory, Vol. 2, No. 2, 167-194 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/13684319922224392
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