José Alemán

Value Orientations From the World Values Survey How Comparable Are They Cross-Nationally?

We examine data from the World Values Survey regarding the existence of two consistent orientations in mass values, traditional versus secular/rational and survival versus self-expression. We also evaluate the empirical validity of Welzel’s revised value orientations: secular and emancipative. Over the years, a large body of work has presumed the stability and comparability of these value orientations across time and space. Our findings uncover little evidence of the existence of traditional–secular/rational or survival–self-expression values. Welzel’s two dimensions of value orientations—secular and emancipative—seem more reflective of latent value orientations in mass publics but are still imperfectly capturing these orientations. More importantly, these value orientations do not seem very comparable except among a small number of advanced post-industrial democracies. We call attention to the use of value measurements to explain important macro-level phenomena.

The Politics of Tripartite Cooperation in New Democracies: A Multi-level Analysis

The literature on labor politics explains cooperation among unions, employers and state representatives in new democracies as a function of alliances between politically influential unions and left governments. This article introduces an original dataset of labor agreements in new democracies (1994—2004). Using Boolean analysis, it shows that while left governments are typically associated with more labor market regulation, they are not sufficient for social pacts to emerge in new democracies. Instead, protective labor market institutions and practices explain most instances of cooperation. Further analysis reveals this to be the case for all types of pacts analyzed.

Labour Market Dualism and Industrial Relations in Europe

This article studies the regulation of fixed-term contracts and its effects on European industrial relations (2002–06). The study reveals a positive association between temporary employment and industrial conflict and evaluates three mechanisms that may account for this association in 18 European countries. The study reveals that the more these contracts are used, the lower the level of wages and job security workers can expect.

Labor Market Deregulation and Industrial Conflict in New Democracies: A Cross-National Analysis

This article studies the effect of recent labor market reforms on industrial relations in new democracies (1994–2003). The literature on labor politics posits two channels through which labor market deregulation may relate to industrial conflict. Wage deregulation may lower wage costs, increasing industrial conflict. Employment deregulation, however, can reduce the ability of workers to act collectively. Using methods uniquely suited for panel data analysis, the study reveals a number of important findings. First, whereas labor quiescence went hand in hand with relatively modest increases in earnings in a number of established democracies, modest wage increases are generally linked with more labor militancy in new democracies. Higher wage and employment regulation minimize wage reductions, lowering the incidence of strikes. Finally, wage regulation has the largest effect on aggregate wages and consequently on the incidence of strikes and lockouts.

No way out: travel restrictions and authoritarian regimes

Why do some authoritarian regimes restrict their citizens’ freedom to travel abroad? This article posits that there is an inverse relationship between the freedom of foreign movement and authoritarian stability. Authoritarian leaders recognize this and hence try to control foreign travel by their citizens, for two reasons. First, civil rights increase significantly when travel policies are relaxed. Secondly, opportunities for contestation increase in the presence of civil rights. We test these propositions using panel data and various indicators of regime performance. Our results strongly suggest that by restricting travel, authoritarian regimes inhibit civil liberties. By suppressing civil liberties moreover, these regimes buy themselves stability.