This book investigates the role and effectiveness of strategic management within public
governance in Europe. Using findings from qualitative studies it explores the governance
processes at the level of the European Union as a supranational institution and the level of
national governments. It presents empirical research that reveals fresh insights into the
extent to which the public effective government and desirable societies are interrelated in
individual Member States. Further it enables the authors to critically analyse and develop the
concept of the 'Strategic State' and to introduce the idea of 'credible government' that lays
out a pathway to effective governance. This book argues for the need to develop more effective
multi-level governance that combines unity of strategic purpose at the European level with
strategic leadership and mobilisation at the national level. It will appeal to practitioners in
addition to scholars in the fields of public policy public management and European Union
studies.
