This volume investigates the persistent discrepancies between established coalition theories and the empirical realities of government formation in parliamentary democracies. The editors, Rudy B. Andeweg, Lieven De Winter, and Patrick Dumont, compile a series of expert analyses that evaluate why certain political outcomes deviate from the predictions of traditional models. By examining these 'deviant cases,' the contributors refine the analytical frameworks used to understand how political parties negotiate power and form stable governing coalitions.

Scholars and students of comparative politics frequently cite this work as a critical resource for understanding the complexities of parliamentary governance. Experts highlight the text for its rigorous approach to testing theoretical models against real-world political data.