The emergence of Green parties throughout Europe during the 1980s marked the arrival of a "new'" form of political movement and a challenge to existing party models. However, since the "green wave" of the 1980s these parties have struggled to solidify their electoral successes in the face of stiff opposition from established political parties.
This original book, the first to address the future direction of the European Green parties, presents an in-depth, thematic comparative approach to the analysis of recent Green party development and change, questioning whether the process of party evolution has resulted in the ideological dilution of Green ideals and objectives.
With Green parties across Europe experiencing a significant upturn in support in recent years, the current period marks an important stage in the shaping of Green politics across Europe. If we are to gain a clearer picture of the impact that the Green parties may have in the new millennium, this book argues that we must understand the issues and themes which have shaped their reemergence as a more mature political challenge.