Between States is the first book that assesses systematically the broad implications of interim governments in the establishment of democratic regimes and on the existence of states. Based on historical and contemporary democratisation experiences, the book presents four ideal types of interim government: opposition-led provisional governments, power-sharing interim governments, incumbent-led caretaker governments, and international interim government by the United Nations. The first part explores the theoretical problems of each of these models from a broad comparative perspective. It uses as illustrations historical and contemporary cases that present a wide spectrum of contexts for comparison. The second part provides extensive case studies that are intended to illustrate, appraise, amplify and criticise the analysis in volume one. These include Iran, East Germany, Portugal, Afghanistan, and Yugoslavia.

"In this major contribution to the study of regime transition, Shain and Linz differentiate in extraordinarily suggestive ways among various types of interim government. The reader is continuously struck by the authors' breadth of knowledge and their frequent subtle insights into political life. Between States is a major contribution to what we know--and how we think abou;t--the challenge of regime transition." Robert Fishman, University of Notre Dame
"This book is an important and unique contribution to the literature on democratization and, more broadly, regime change. By undertaking comparative analyses of the roles played by interim governments, Shain, Linz and their collaborators fill an important void in our knowledge of this sometimes crucial step in processes of political change." Richard Gunther, Ohio State University