Zur Theorie der Interessenvermittlung: Ein Netzwerkansatz dargestellt am Beispiel der Gemeinsamen Europäischen Agrarpolitik

Recent policy network studies contribute significantly to the theory of interest mediation. Despite this contribution policy network approaches still contain major theoretical deficiencies and a lack of empirical application can be observed. In this context a typology of systems of interest mediation is theoretically derived on the basis of new developments in the political exchange theory (Pappi/Henning 1998a). Analogously to the typology of economic markets, the typology corresponds to the social organization of political exchange in policy networks. Further, it is demonstrated that in contrast to conclusions found in the literature no general correspondence of specific types of interest mediation and policy-outcomes in terms of weak versus strong states, efficient versus inefficient economic policies and biased versus unbiased mediation of societies interests can be expected. In the empirical part of the paper the typology is applied to the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) using policy network data. In particular, a block model analysis is applied aggregating a set of multiple network relations among a multitude of public and private actors operating in the CAP to identify whether the overall social macro structure corresponds to national clientelism or supranational pluralism.     

Robust emergency management: The role of institutional trust in organized volunteers

In these turbulent times of increased frequency and magnitude of emergencies caused by climate change, pandemics, and other public safety hazards, there has been a growing interest in the question of how to enhance the robustness of emergency management systems. Recent research points to integrated networks of public and non-profit actors as a superior strategy for developing robust governance responses to turbulent problems. This article suggests that institutionally conditioned trust between professionals and volunteers is key to robust emergency management. Based on institutional trust theory and the findings of an empirical case study of local emergency management in Denmark and Norway, it shows how six institutional sources of trust condition the scalable use of organized emergency management volunteers. The study contributes with a theoretical argument and empirical insights on how institutional trust strengthens the robust governance and management of emergencies.     

Artificial Intelligence,Forward‐Looking Governance and the Future of Security

Over the last years, AI applications have come to play a role in many security‐related fields. In this paper, we show that scholars who want to study AI’s link to power and security should widen their perspective to include conceptual approaches from science and technology studies (STS). This way, scholars can pay attention to critical dynamics, processes, practices, and non‐traditional actors in AI politics and governance. We introduce two STS‐inspired concepts – the micro‐politics of design and development and co‐production – and show how the study of AI and security could benefit from them. In the final section, we turn to the study of AI in the context of Switzerland to underscore what aspects the two previously introduced concepts help to highlight that remain invisible for traditional approaches.     

Are women more likely to throw the rascals out? The mobilizing effect of social service spending on female voters

Public Choice - This study focuses on gender differences in voter reactions to a corruption scandal in one’s preferred party. We analyze, in a framework of ‘exit, voice and...     

Zur Vorwerfbarkeit der Schimmelbildung wegen mangelnden Lüftungsverhaltens des Mieters

Bei der Auslegung von Vertr?gen ist grunds?tzlich nur auf die Umst?nde im Zeitpunkt der Vertragserkl?rung abzustellen, sodass zukünftige ?nderungen der Verkehrsauffassung oder auch der Rechtslage im Allgemeinen nicht in die Erhaltungspflicht einflie?en. Der Vermieter ist im Allgemeinen nicht zur laufenden Anpassung bzw Modernisierung des Bestandobjekts verpflichtet, sofern nicht gesetzliche oder vertragliche Mindeststandards unterschritten werden.     

Under the Kremlin's Thumb: Does Increased State Control in the Russian Gas Sector Endanger European Energy Security?

This article examines the effect of increased state control over the Russian gas sector and its ultimate impact on energy security in Europe. The various mechanisms by which the state has acquired ownership (or quasi-ownership) over several independent gas producers as well as the potential dangers this poses for European energy supplies are scrutinised. Due to the demonstrated inefficiency of Russian state-controlled companies, negative consequences, such as slowed production growth, are likely to result. The few remaining independent gas producers are still hampered in their development due to the government's reluctance to implement structural reforms in the Russian gas sector.     

Keine Berücksichtigung von mietvertraglichen Wartungs-/Instandhaltungspflichten des Mieters als Zu- bzw Abschlag zum Richtwertmietzins

Die in § 16 Abs 2 Z 1 bis 6 MRG enthaltene Aufz?hlung jener Kriterien, die Zuschl?ge oder Abstriche zum bzw vom Richtwert begründen, ist taxativ und betrifft neben der Zweckbestimmung der Wohnung – bis auf § 16 Abs 2 Z 3 MRG – durchwegs die tats?chliche Beschaffenheit des Hauses und der Wohnung, nicht aber die im Mietvertrag enthaltene Verteilung (übernahme) von Verpflichtungen, insb betreffend Wartungs- und Instandhaltungspflichten. § 16 Abs 2 Z 3 MRG und Abs 7 MRG bieten keine tragf?hige Analogiegrundlage, um eine mietvertragliche Verteilung (übernahme) von (einzelnen) Wartungs- und Instandhaltungspflichten durch Zuschl?ge oder Abstriche im Richtwertzinssystem zu berücksichtigen.     

Bestandgeberpflicht zur Abtretung der aus einem Versicherungsverhältnis bestehenden Ansprüche an den Bestandnehmer

Nur wenn und insoweit die Kosten einer energiesparenden Ma?nahme iSd § 3 Abs 2 Z 5 MRG in einem wirtschaftlich vernünftigen Verh?ltnis zum allgemeinen Erhaltungszustand des Hauses und den zu erwartenden Einsparungen stehen, sind solche Ma?nahmen dem Bereich der ordentlichen Verwaltung zuzuordnen. Jede Erhaltung im weiten Sinn des § 3 MRG setzt eine Reparaturbedürftigkeit, Schadensgeneigtheit oder Funktionseinschr?nkung voraus.     

Interactive Relations Between Universities and Firms: Empirical Evidence for Austria

In recent years interaction between universities and the business sector and the role of these collaborations in fostering innovation has received greater attention. This paper analyzes different types of interactions between the two sectors from the perspectives of universities and firms. The three major research questions address the frequency of different types of interactions, the benefits that companies derive from interaction with universities and determinants of interaction for both sectors.Two different surveys form the empirical base for this paper: One among innovative firms in Austria, one among all Austrian university departments. The methodologies we use are analyses of variance and logistic regressions. Our results demonstrate that the main channel of knowledge transfer from universities to the business sector still occurs through the mobility of human capital. The major barriers of interaction lie in the differences between cultures of the two spheres as well as lack of information at the side of firms.