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Conclusions: Towards a model of (European) referendums

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 00:24 authored by Paul TaggartPaul Taggart, Aleks SzczerbiakAleks Szczerbiak
This conclusion evaluates the causal models set out in the introduction to this collection and considers whether, in the light of the 2003 accession referendums, they require modification. On the basis of this examination we argue that the results of EU accession referendums appear to demonstrate that the key factors determining the results are the consequences of: (a) underlying mass attitudes in combination with (b) cues provided by elites. The variance in the levels of turnout in the EU accession referendums appears to be predominantly the consequence of: (a) the general levels of electoral turnout specific to countries in combination with (b) the level of contestation of the European issue. Consideration is then given to the generalisability of the models to other referendums, on both European and non-European issues. Finally, we look ahead to whether these countries are likely to repeat the experience of direct democracy when determining their attitudes towards other European issues.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

West European Politics

ISSN

0140-2382

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

4

Volume

27

Page range

749-777

Pages

29.0

Department affiliated with

  • Politics Publications

Notes

This article summarised the findings of a collection of research articles and brought together the empirical findings with the model that had been developed. It was a bold attempt at synthesizing the empirical material on the referendums but also a strong contribution to the wider understanding of referendums.

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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