The decline of policy mandates

Perhaps there is no term more misused and abused in Australian politics than ‘mandate’.  When in government both the Coalition and the Labor Party insist that they have a mandate ‘from the people’,… Continue reading →

The Chance of a Dangerous Adventure

About two years ago the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House surveyed the Australian cultural landscape – in terms of things prime ministerial – and started thinking about what we could… Continue reading →

Epitaph for a political chancer: Cameron’s fate exemplifies the inability of UK elites to resolve long-run crises

Thirteen months ago I forecast that ‘Cameron returns now to 10 Downing Street for a maximum stay of three years, but it will be a rocky road ahead’. His reduction to another failed UK premier… Continue reading →

Road to Rome: The organisational and political success of the M5S

The Five Star Movement (M5S) obtained two major victories in the second round of municipal elections on 19 June 2016 in Rome and Turin. Rome attracted the most international attention but it is… Continue reading →

From Abbott to Turnbull: A New Direction?

At the 2013 election, many Australians expressed their concern with the chaos that surrounded the Labor minority governments of Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. They gave their support to Abbott as a Prime… Continue reading →