Description
Book SynopsisThe interdependencies between politics, governance and technology have created a 'virtual state'. The author analyses this development within the framework of postmodernism in order to illustrate the importance of adopting a postmodern perspective to understand the theory and practice of public administration and politics.
This book examines the special connections linking politics, administration and technology in the 'information society'. Paul Frissen describes recent developments both within public administration and in postmodernism and uses examples from Dutch public administration in order to emphasise the importance of the postmodern perspective. Finally, the author considers the role of politics in the virtual state.
This book will prove to be invaluable to scholars of public and social policy, public administration and politics.
The translation was funded by NWO, the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research.
Trade ReviewAcclaim for the Dutch edition:
'The radical theses on politics proclaimed by Frissen will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention. . . . But first of all it is good to realise that the book has two faces. Apart from a polemic and postmodern "narrative" on politics and governance, the book also is a thorough and modern synthesis of an extensive and productive research programme in public administration. Frissen courageously elaborates the lines present in this program.' -- Willem Witteveen, Socialisme and Democratie
'The narrative deserves reading. Frissen joins the world of important thinkers and the question is whether the academic circles in The Netherlands are not too narrow for these thoughts to be unfolded.' -- N.J.M. Nelissen, Openbaar Bestuur
Table of ContentsContents: 1. Prologue 2. Public Administration 3. Technology 4. Public Administration and Technology 5. Politics 6. The Social Decor: Modernisation and Postmodernisation 7. Theoretical Intermezzo 8. Administration and Politics in Postmodern Cyberspace 9. Fragmenting and Connecting Governance 10. Politics without Properties Bibliography Index
