With his comprehensive book, Martin Carrier provides a systematic and convincing assessment of different factors associated with power shifts between presidents and prime ministers in semi-presidential regimes. Carrier’s in-depth case-comparison emphasizes that if we are to fully grasp the logics of intra-executive politics of semi-presidentialism, both institutional and non-institutional factors have to be carefully taken into the model. His book should be essential reading for scholars of semi-presidentialism, as well as for anyone interested in comparative constitutional politics.

Thomas Sedelius, Dalarna University

Moving beyond constitutional rules, Carrier shows convincingly how party politics, personalities, and foreign relations influence the distribution of power between the prime minister and the president. Insightful and full of interesting details, Executive Politics in Semi-Presidential Regimes is a must read for any serious student of semi-presidentialism and political executives.

Tapio Raunio, University of Tampere