Understanding urban governance: the contribution of rational choice

Local politics in Britain has changed dramatically over recent decades with the traditional model dominated by local councils increasingly transformed into one involving broader networks of actors in policy-making and delivery. This book examines the changing nature of local politics, drawing on the latest research from the ESRC Local Governance Program. It assesses the emergence of new forms of elite organizations and changing power relations in the context of increasing roles for business and other partners. The book concludes with a consideration of the extent to which the emerging system of local governance can meet the social and economic challenges created by globalization.