In recent decades, the concept of local autonomy has gained significant attention in discussions about governance and democracy. Increasing the autonomy of governmental levels closer to the citizens is often recommended to enhance democratic legitimacy, government effectiveness, and governance processes. Despite the trend towards decentralization and local autonomy, there has been a notable lack of empirical research systematically studying the effects in a comparative design.
A recent study by researchers Alexander Bastianen and Nicolas Keuffer “Are the normative rationales of local autonomy related to democratic legitimacy justified? Evidence from 57 countries in Europe and beyond (1990–2020)” addresses this gap by examining the implications of local autonomy for various aspects of democratic legitimacy. This study provides a comparative analysis of 57 countries over three decades, amidst the growing advocacy for local autonomy as a means to enhance governance and democratic legitimacy.
Methods
The researchers relied on multiple data sources to ensure a robust analysis, gathering data on local autonomy, democratic legitimacy, and other relevant variables from established databases and reports such as the updated Local Autonomy Index, V-Dem dataset, World Governance Indicators (WGI), Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI), and the OECD. This included information on the existence of elected local governments, quality of democracy, accountability, transparency, and equality of participation.
The study carefully operationalized both independent and dependent variables to capture the nuances of local autonomy and democratic legitimacy. Local autonomy, the independent variable, is assessed using the Local Autonomy Index (LAI) 2.0, which encompasses seven dimensions. The dependent variables are categorized into three dimensions of democratic legitimacy: Input Legitimacy, focusing on the democratic nature of local governance; Throughput Legitimacy, examining procedural aspects like accountability and transparency; and Output Legitimacy, assessing service delivery, reduced corruption, and citizen satisfaction.
By exploring these dimensions, the research offers a detailed understanding of how local autonomy interacts with different elements of governance. The findings have significant policy implications to guide policymakers in making informed decisions about decentralization reforms and local government empowerment.
Key Findings of the Study
- Positive Influence on Democratic Legitimacy: One of the primary findings is that local autonomy positively influences various aspects of democratic legitimacy, particularly input and throughput legitimacy. Input legitimacy refers to the extent to which citizens can participate in the political process, while throughput legitimacy focuses on the quality of governance processes, such as accountability and transparency. The study validates ongoing efforts towards decentralization and building stronger municipalities. It also indicates that when local governments have greater independence, they are more likely to be elected, engage with their communities, and respond to the needs and preferences of citizens.
- Nuanced Picture on Output Legitimacy: However, the study also reveals a more nuanced picture regarding output legitimacy, which pertains to the actual results and effectiveness of government actions. While local autonomy contributes to improved democratic processes, the research found no significant impact on output legitimacy. This suggests that the effectiveness of local governments in delivering services and achieving positive outcomes is influenced by a multitude of factors beyond just their level of autonomy. Policymakers should be aware that while empowering local governments is essential, it is not a panacea for all governance challenges.
- Empirical Support for Normative Claims: The findings provide empirical support for the normative claims surrounding local autonomy, reinforcing the idea that strong local governance is crucial for a well-functioning democracy. The study highlights that local governments, when given the necessary power and discretion, can better address the unique needs of their communities. This localized approach not only enhances the legitimacy of local governments but also contributes to the overall health of the political system.
- Beneficial Impact on Citizens’ Lives: The research underscores the beneficial impact of local autonomy on citizens’ lives. By allowing local governments to tailor policies and services to the specific demands of their communities, citizens experience improved public service delivery and greater satisfaction with their local governance. This connection between local autonomy and citizen well-being is a vital consideration for policymakers aiming to enhance the quality of life in their jurisdictions.
The research by Bastianen and Keuffer provides valuable insights into how empowering local governments can lead to greater trust, participation, and ultimately, a more robust democratic process. One of the significant challenges the researchers faced was the lack of reliable data on local governance. Many countries have different systems and structures, making it difficult to compare them effectively. This highlights the need for better data collection methods to understand local governance better.
In conclusion, the study presents compelling evidence that local autonomy is a key factor in enhancing democratic legitimacy. For scholars, these findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on decentralization and governance. For policymakers, the research highlights the importance of empowering local governments to improve democratic processes and better serve their communities. As the landscape of governance continues to evolve, understanding the role of local autonomy will be essential for fostering effective and legitimate political systems.
Access the full article here (open access):
Bastianen, A., & Keuffer, N. (2024). Are the normative rationales of local autonomy related to democratic legitimacy justified? Evidence from 57 countries in Europe and beyond (1990–2020). Local Government Studies, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/03003930.2024.2378128