Bulletin n. 2/2011
October 2011
CONTENTS
  • Section A) The theory and practise of the federal states and multi-level systems of government
  • Section B) Global governance and international organizations
  • Section C) Regional integration processes
  • Section D) Federalism as a political idea
    • Jalalzai Farida
    A Critical Departure for Women Executives or More of the Same? The Powers of Chancellor Merkel
    in German Politics , Volume 20, Issue 3, Special Issue: 'Gender, Intersectionality and the Executive Branch: The Case of Angela Merkel', September ,  2011 ,  428-448
    Applying a typology of political systems and executive power, this article focuses on German Chancellor Angela Merkel's powers and autonomy in relation to other female executives worldwide. Like most women leaders, Merkel operates within a dual executive system and is subject to a vote of no confidence. Powers are exercised within a cabinet, suggesting collaborative governance. Coalition politics requires Merkel's cooperation with other actors. State powers also compete with the Federal government. In these ways, Merkel supports the prevailing model of the more constrained female executive. However, German presidential powers are generally symbolic, positioning Merkel as the dominant executive. She also enjoys greater insularity from dismissal than most prime ministers. As the only female head of state in a G-8 country, Merkel plays a visible and central role in global politics. In these ways, Merkel ultimately challenges the weaker model of the female executive, suggesting a mixed pattern overall.
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