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Complexity, coupling and policy effectiveness: the European response to the Greek sovereign debt crisis

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  • Zahariadis, Nikolaos

Abstract

What is the impact of Greece's fiscal meltdown on the effectiveness of Europe's response? Using Perrow's normal accidents theory, I argue that efforts to reduce the likelihood of a Greek default activated conflicting centripetal and centrifugal modes of governance. Greater centralisation in decision-making at the European Union level improves policy effectiveness because it addresses problems of contagion but it simultaneously raises the risk of overall failure by increasing diagnosis, coordination and compliance costs. Three episodes are explored: the first bailout in May 2010, the mid-term fiscal strategy in June–July 2011 and the second bailout in February 2012. Implications are drawn for theories of delegation, intergovernmentalism and the future of EU crisis management.

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  • Zahariadis, Nikolaos, 2012. "Complexity, coupling and policy effectiveness: the European response to the Greek sovereign debt crisis," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 32(2), pages 99-116, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jnlpup:v:32:y:2012:i:02:p:99-116_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Alistair Cole & Jean-Baptiste Harguindéguy & Ian Stafford & Romain Pasquier & Christian de Visscher, 2015. "States of Convergence in Territorial Governance," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 45(2), pages 297-321.
    2. Danias, Nikolaos & Kim Swales, John & McGregor, Peter, 2013. "The Greek Electricity Market Reforms: Political and Regulatory Considerations," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1040-1047.

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