Publication: Introduction to the Sociology of Political Parties – Alexandre Dézé

Publication of Alexandre Dézé’s book, *Fin de parti: Enquête sur un présumé déclin* (Endgame: An Investigation into an Alleged Decline), 1st edition, September 2025, 304 pages – ISBN 9782724644708

Abstract:

The book reveals the many flaws in the science of political parties as it has developed—a science that pays little attention to epistemology, is steeped in normative preconceptions, and is obsessed with the creation of typologies. As such, it partially overturns what we thought we knew about political parties.

Political parties are in crisis, in decline, on the verge of extinction… This claim is constantly repeated, whether in the media, in politics, or in academic circles. Yet one need only observe day-to-day political life, in France as elsewhere, to see that partisan organizations continue to play a central role. Where, then, does the theory of the decline of political parties come from, how has it gained traction in research, and how valid is it?

To determine this, Alexandre Dézé offers a comprehensive exploration of the literature on political parties and invites readers to reflect on the construction of dominant knowledge. After tracing the origins of the “decline” thesis, he demonstrates all of its conceptual and empirical weaknesses and examines the conditions that made its spread throughout the academic world possible.

In particular, the book reveals the many flaws in the science of political parties as it has developed—a science that pays little attention to epistemology, is steeped in normative preconceptions, and is obsessed with the creation of typologies. As such, this book partially overturns what we thought we knew about political parties.

Publisher's website: https://www.pressesdesciencespo.fr/fr/book/?GCOI=27246100747400#h2tabDetails