Neoliberal Transformations of the Italian State. Understanding the Roots of the Crises

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of how neoliberalism has fundamentally reshaped the Italian state, focusing on the interplay between economic restructuring, political-institutional change, and social transformation. The book examines the historical trajectory of the neoliberalization process in Italy, detailing how external pressures from European integration, global financial institutions, and internal political shifts have driven profound changes in governance and policy-making. Cozzolino argues that neoliberal reforms have systematically eroded the traditional functions of the state by prioritizing market-oriented policies, privatizing public services, and redefining the role of state institutions. These transformations, often justified under the guise of efficiency and fiscal discipline, have not only weakened the state’s ability to promote social welfare and address inequalities but also undermined democratic accountability and public participation in governance. Through a detailed historical analysis, mixed methdology and theoretical framework rooted in Critical International Political Economy, further combined with extensive empirical analysis of the reconfiguration of Italian state (especially the stengthening of executive powers), the Author critically explores the impact of these changes on key sectors, such as labor markets, public administration, and welfare policies. The book also sheds light on the broader implications of these reforms, including the rise of technocratic governance, the reduction of state sovereignty in favor of supranational institutions, and the deepening of economic and social inequalities. By situating the Italian case within the wider context of global neoliberal transformations, Cozzolino provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by contemporary democratic states in navigating the tensions between neoliberal imperatives and social needs. This monograph is an essential contribution for scholars of political economy, European studies, and those interested in understanding the intersections of neoliberalism, state transformation, and democracy.