Kollox Politika? Governanza, Religjon, Ekonomija, Amministrazzjoni Pubblika is a new book published by the Department of Public Policy in collaboration with Malta University Publishing and Campus FM. Encompassing more than 30 chapters, this publication is cross disciplinary in its nature and has the potential to appeal to the general public; thus, democratizing the learning of political science. It adopts an inquisitive approach to map out the relationship between idealpolitik and realpolitik, and seeks to build bridges between academia and the real world of politics, policy making, religion, economics and public administration.
This publication is the result of a process segmented into two parts. The first involved the production of radio programmes on Campus FM during which two radio series were aired on the University radio station. One of the series featured the relationship between the economy and politics, whereas the other treated the past, present and future of the Public Service in Malta. Eventually, the second part encapsulated the writing and research of the book based on the radio transcripts. This project called for the engagement of a great number of stakeholders, both on and off campus. The Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, the International Institute of Baroque Studies, the Institute of European Studies and the Islands & Small States Institute were among the academic entities that participated, whereas off campus stakeholders included the Public Service, the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, civil society groups, the Archbishop and the Imam.
The book, written in Maltese, embraces 30 graphical representations, including time-lines, conceptual mapping and other visual-aides, as well as an analytical index to enhance its potential for research purposes. It also includes a key note address by the President of Malta who is expected to preside the official book launch in mid-January 2022.
This radio and publication project was identified as a story of excellence by the University of Seas that comprises a consortium of six Universities, namely, the University of Cadiz (Spain), University of Bretagne (France), University of Kiel (Germany), University of Gdansk (Poland), University of Split (Croatia) and the University of Malta.
The book is written by Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo who is currently serving as Head of the Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy.