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Examines the strategic impact of two European ecology parties on the recomposition of left-wing politics in their countries.
Redefining Red and Green explores the political strategies of two European ecology parties, the socialist German Grünen and the radically democratic French Les Verts. The strategies represent typical choices-and dilemmas-of progressive politics, with far-reaching implications. Once proud of their "anti-political" stance, the ideas of these former militant outsiders have been integrated into mainstream political discourse. Now green parties are a recognized political force in their respective countries. In this book, Shull examines the full range of strategic choices made by the parties and probes the limits and tradeoffs involved in each choice, and in any strategy for progressive reform.
The growth and transformation of the Grünen and Les Verts is of universal importance. Reader's sympathetic to the environmental movement will want to explore the different paths the Greens have taken in Europe. Those concerned about the future of the Left in the United States and Europe will be interested in the dialogue between ecologists and specialists on the subject. Scholars and students of social movements, parties, or contemporary political thought will find a fresh comparison and an original theoretical synthesis.
"The puzzle that Tad Shull seeks to explain in this stimulating and informative study is the dramatic contrast between the Green parties of France and Germany. Although the German Grünen receive more scholarly attention, the little-studied French Verts have arguably had a greater impact on their country's politics. Explaining the two parties' different trajectories, Dr. Shull focuses on structural opportunities and constraints, highlighting the importance of Green Party strategy and the relationship to the larger, established center-left party. This book will be of great value to students of political parties and party systems, Green movements and West European politics." — Mark Kesselman, Columbia University
"Professor Shull's book provides scholars a fresh view of ecological parties in Europe. It is extremely well written and it breaks new ground on this topic." — Sheldon Kamieniecki, University of Southern California
"Tad Shull has provided a thoughtful, informative, and compelling account of Green parties and their role in European party systems. Redefining Red and Green is an important contribution to our understanding of emergent center-left politics, all the more timely with the formation of a governing Red-Green coalition in Germany." — Joel Krieger, Wellesley College
Foreword
Preface
Abbreviations
Chapter One
Introduction: Competition and Change in Progressive Parties
Chapter Two
The Greens in Comparative Historical Perspective: From Social Democracy to Ecology
Chapter Three
Theoretical Considerations: Ideology and Strategy in Contemporary Party Competition
Chapter Four
Ideology and Competition Inside Ecology Parties: Reexamining Herbert Kitschelt's "Logics of Party Formation"
Chapter Five
Contrasting Images of Ecological Politics: The Programs of the Verts and Grünen in Comparative Perspective
Chapter Six
Entering the Political Arena: Strategic Cues and False Starts
Chapter Seven
Defining Moments: Finding a Niche in the Party System
Chapter Eight
Consolidation-and New Tensions
Chapter Nine
Cataclysm and Renewal
Chapter Ten
Conclusion
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index