Filippo Tronconi is Associate Professor in Political science at the University of Bologna, Department of Social and Political Sciences, and a regular collaborator of the Istituto Carlo Cattaneo. His research interests cover European political parties, with a specific focus on the ethnoregionalist party family, political elites, and legislative behaviour.
'The Five-Star Movement is one of the most interesting political phenomena in contemporary Europe. Filippo Tronconi has put together a fine volume that looks in detail at the factors underpinning the remarkable success of this movement. It is essential reading not only for those interested in Italy, but for all students of party politics.' Duncan McDonnell, Griffith University, Australia 'The Five Star Movement of Beppe Grillo was the great surprise of the 2013 elections in Italy. Understanding what kind of political animal it is, and what its future role in Italian politics will be is a major puzzle for Italy watchers. The book edited by Filippo Tronconi is the best guide so far for anyone seriously interested in understanding this new phenomenon.' Maurizio Cotta, University of Siena, Italy '... is there something so special about M5S (Movimento 5 Stelle) that accounts for its unprecedented success? Using a wide range of research tools the contributors to this volume offer a comprehensive approach to the party, describing and often deconstructing the characteristics and paradoxes that account for its unexpected popularity that could eventually determine its future political viability. ... a comprehensible guide to the rise of the M5S and an essential reading for those interested not only in Italian politics, but also in anti-system, Euro-sceptic and populist movements in Europe.' LSE Review of Books