'This is a rare combination of a coherent theoretical approach and important empirical evidence. Rothstein, Steinmo and their colleagues give a significant contribution to our understanding of the institutional dynamics of the welfare state.' - Johan P. Olsen, ARENA Programme, Oslo 'The essays in this volume, individually and jointly, succeed in establishing an original and very important ... Read moreproposition: The present diversity in welfare-state structures and performance is explained by differences in political legitimacy, a consequence of differences in welfare-state institutions. The basic argument is developed on solid theoretical foundations, and individual contributions provide fascinating empirical illustrations from diverse policy areas and different national contexts. In short: A book that is bound to have a major impact on the Comparative Political Economy of modern welfare states.' - Fritz W. Scharpf, Director, Max Planck Institute for the Studies of Societies 'The book is an interesting and coherent collection of highly sophisticated essays and it will certainly have a long-lasting impact on the academic literature on contemporary welfare states. Furthermore, its theoretical insights will undoubtedly prove to strengthen historical institutionalism as an approach to political analysis.' - Mikko Kuisma, Political Studies Review '...this book provides some fascinating insights into the way in which diverse welfare institutions can give rise to different welfare outcomes and dilemmas. As such, it will be of interest to all those interested in the origins and future development of the welfare state.' - Robert Page, Local Govenment Studies Show Less