The Department of Public Policy launched the latest publication of one of its resident academics, Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo. The book, entitled The Europeanization of Interest Groups in Malta and Ireland: A Small State Perspective, is published by Palgrave Macmillan.
The book launch event was held at the University of Malta, Valletta Campus, on 14 January with the participation of both experts and the general public. Dr George Vital Zammit, Head of the Department of Public Policy, gave a presentation on the research methodology adopted in this publication and afterwards chaired a discussion with academics and practitioners in the field of civil society. These included Dr Vanni Xuereb (Head, MEUSAC), Dr Marie Louise Mangion (academic and environment activist), Mr Joe Tanti (CEO, Malta Business Bureau) and Ms Claudia Taylor East (CEO, SOS Malta).
The book launch event was held at the University of Malta, Valletta Campus, on 14 January with the participation of both experts and the general public. Dr George Vital Zammit, Head of the Department of Public Policy, gave a presentation on the research methodology adopted in this publication and afterwards chaired a discussion with academics and practitioners in the field of civil society. These included Dr Vanni Xuereb (Head, MEUSAC), Dr Marie Louise Mangion (academic and environment activist), Mr Joe Tanti (CEO, Malta Business Bureau) and Ms Claudia Taylor East (CEO, SOS Malta).
Vassallo's comparative work examines the political and social context of interest groups in Malta and Ireland, two small island states at the periphery of an integrated continent. The author explores the impact of the European Union on their civil society's organizations and their gradual transformation at differing speeds and logics of Europeanization. Its innovative methods and empirical findings are of interest to all students of Public Policy, Europeanization, Sociology, Public Administration and Community Affairs.
Photo caption: Panel of academics and civil society practitioners
Photo caption: Panel of academics and civil society practitioners
from left to right: Mr Joe Tanti (CEO, Malta Business Bureau), Dr Marie Louise Mangion (academic and environment activist), Dr George Vital Zammit (Head, Department of Public Policy) Ms Claudia Taylor East (CEO, SOS Malta), Dr Vanni Xuereb (Head, MEUSAC)