The contemporary decentralization trend in a number of South European states has been an object of scientific research on numerous occasions. By focusing on the analysis and interpretation of decentralization in Greece, in the post-dictatorial period (1974-1989), a country on which no previous similar research has been undertaken, this study broadens the research area and contributes to the wider debate about the nature of "Central-Local Relations". The analysis of centralization and decentralization tendencies in the Modern Greek State, of the role of Greek local government in politics and public administration and the overview of the related institutional reforms provide the background of the research and show the limitations of approaches which focus on the institutional characteristics in explaining policy changes. An inter-organizational framework of analysis is adopted to explain the nature, timing and evolution of the decentralization reforms. Decentralization is seen as the product of relationships between organizations, entailing the redistribution of resources and the change of rules governing the interactions between central and local government. The politics of decentralization are thus examined under the framework of the relations of political parties, viewed as organizations, with local government. The varying degree of dependence on local government organizations, of political parties in opposition and in government is investigated in the light of the internal dynamics of the party organizations and the scope and intensity of party competition in the related issues. Furthermore, it is shown that these processes of intra and inter-organizational change in political parties have significantly influenced the contents of decentralization policies, their timing and introduction and the growing consensus on decentralization during the period under examination. Intergovernmental relations is the framework of analysis which further interprets the policy process of decentralization. The complex set of power-dependence relationships between central government, the different organizations of the state apparatus and local government explain the formulation and implementation of the decentralization reforms. Two powerful and contradictory influences are examined: those of the bureaucracy tending to hinder and delay the implementation of reforms affecting its power; and those of the professionals within or at the side of government and administration, tending to produce the fragmentation of both central and local government by birth and development of new types of organizations, which by pass bureaucratic routes of communication and exchange. The synthesis of the above-mentioned influences has caused significant alterations in the pattern of intergovernmental relations, which will in turn affect the further process of decentralization in Greece.

The thesis, "General Sikorski and the Polish Government in Exile 1939-43: A Study of Polish Internal Émigré Politics in Wartime", seeks to examine the impact of Polish 'domestic' politics on wartime diplomacy in exile. Foreign policy naturally dominated the exile agenda, but this thesis considers the extent to which internal politics affected the Polish government's ability to pursue its wartime and post-war aims. The thesis considers whether internal divisions in exile and in the Polish resistance undermined national unity and diverted attention away from the war effort to the anticipated power-struggle after liberation. It assesses the degree to which domestic opposition hampered Sikorski's ability to achieve rapprochement with the USSR, the contribution his critics in the Polish army and wartime administration made to the collapse of his Soviet strategy and the extent to which Sikorski's policies failed because they constituted too blatant a contradiction of what the majority of Poles perceived as national traditions or national interests. It also considers whether his inability to impose his vision of post-war Poland on his compatriots destroyed the prospects of a new era of Polish- Soviet relations after liberation. Within this context, the thesis argues the impact of national history and tradition on exile foreign and 'domestic' policy. It assesses the consequences of key features of Polish interwar politics and society on politics in exile. It also examines the general nature of 'politics in exile', the interplay of Polish exile 'domestic' and foreign policy, and the nature and consequences of Sikorski's leadership. Sikorski came to power with a unique opportunity to unite the Poles in the fight for liberation. This thesis examines the impact on Polish history and the history of the Second World War of his failure to achieve this aim.

The following thesis is an examination of the establishment and initial development of a British airborne force. Beginning with an examination of airborne development outside the UK up to 1940, it traces the growing British use of air transport as a tool for imperial policing in the inter-war period, and examines why this did not lead to the logical step of creating a dedicated British airborne force. The impact of German airborne operations and the defeat at Dunkirk in 1940 on British attitudes is then analysed, followed by a detailed examination of the mechanics of the establishment of a British airborne force, ending with the British 1st Parachute Brigade attaining operational status in January 1942.

published_or_final_version / Chinese Historical Studies / Master / Master of Arts

published_or_final_version / History / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Chinese Historical Studies / Master / Master of Arts

published_or_final_version / Chinese Historical Studies / Master / Master of Arts

published_or_final_version / Chinese Language and Literature / Master / Master of Arts

This study of the Canadian War Memorials Fund, established during the Great War, focuses initially on the origin and organization of the Fund, looking particularly at the roles of Max Aitken (Lord Beaverbrook), Harold Harmsworth (Lord Rothermere) and Paul Konody, and how it grew out of Aitken's enthusiasm as Canadian War ,Records Officer. After discussing the artists' recruitment and their participation in the scheme, it examines the symbolism and iconography of the works produced, then concludes with a look at the post-war neglect of the Fund's collection and its place as a precedent in Canada's war art programme during World War II.

No description available.