Lecture 1. Semi-Presidentialism: Principles, Concepts and Classifications

Content and aim: This lecture provides an overview of concepts, theories and directions of the literature on semi-presidentialism. We will also map the general lines of semi-presidential research with regard to topics and methods. Finally, we will address some identified research gaps in the current literature.

Study questions in preparation of lecture:

· What are the defining features of parliamentarism, semi-presidentialism and presidentialism in terms of executive-legislative relations?

· What are the defining features of Shugart and Carey’s terms premier-presidentialism and president-parliamentarism?

· Try to elaborate on the benefits and drawbacks of defining semi-presidentialism as a system where “a constitution includes a popularly elected fixed-term president and a prime minister who are responsible to the legislature”? To what extent is such a definition useful in relation to specific countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia? And to comparative research more generally?

· Does it really matter to democracy and government performance whether a country is presidential, semi-presidential or parliamentary? If so, in what ways?

Lecture 2. Semi-Presidential and Parliamentary Regimes in Central and Eastern Europe

Content and aim: In this lecture, we will compare the constitutional systems of Central and Eastern Europe and look more closely into the distribution of power between the executive and legislative branches across the region. In particular, we will tap into issues of presidential power, intra-executive relations and political outcomes.

Study questions in preparation of lecture:

· What patterns of constitutional regime types are identifiable in Central and Eastern Europe?

· How can we explain this pattern? What political and historical-institutional factors are relevant in this regard?

· What are the main benefits and challenges of semi-presidentialism in CEE?

Lecture 3. Contemporary Swedish Politics: Challenges and Trends

Content and aim: This lecture will sweep over some main features and trends in the Nordic countries in general and in Sweden in particular. In addition to discussing the Swedish and Nordic political systems, we will discuss the Scandinavian welfare model and its challenges in contemporary Europe.

Study questions in preparation of lecture:

· What are the main institutional characteristics of the Nordic political systems?

· What are their main challenges in terms of party system structure, globalisation and integration?

· What is meant by the ‘Swedish welfare model’ and to what extent is it any different from other European states?