Political Institutions in Italy focuses on the most recent developments in Italian politics, particularly those of the last 10-15 years. The authors address a number of themes, paradoxes, and problems inherent in Italian politics, the first being the shifting balance between the central administration and the periphery. The second theme concerns the divide between governing parties and permanent oppositions, and the third relates to the mix of political discontinuity and instability with a simultaneous stability of political parties. Finally, the book considers the relationship between the Italian domestic system and the international system. In particular, it examines the impact of the East-West international divide on Italian politics and the Italian party system, the relationship between Italy and Europe, and Italy's strong support of European integration.