Local autonomy is widely considered a cornerstone of effective governance and democratic participation. A new book, “Dynamics and Issues of Local Autonomy: A Comparative Study“, offers a comprehensive analysis of this crucial concept across 57 […]
Decentralization is often viewed as a legal and constitutional process, but the reality is far more complex. In multi-level governance systems, the distribution of power between central and regional governments is not solely determined by […]
The modern nation-state finds itself caught in a vise. As global forces have often pulled countries closer together in processes of economic and/or political integration or collaboration, internal pressures push them towards greater fragmentation. This […]
The competitiveness of cities—and ultimately, the economic competitiveness of countries—depends on cities being able to attract and retain highly productive industries and highly productive workers. In turn, ensuring the quality of life in cities and […]
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, […]
In 1995, Andrew Nickson, a leading scholar on decentralization (Honorary Reader in Public Management and Latin American Development at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham) wrote the first English-language book on local government in […]
Debates over decentralization in authoritarian contexts often center on whether it provides significant steps toward democratization or is simply a tool autocrats use to shore up their power. However, evidence from Tanzania finds that opposition-led […]
Political patronage involves politicians providing benefits or resources in exchange for political support or loyalty. Favoritism, particularly in intergovernmental fiscal transfers, can lead to unequal access to resources and perpetuate inequalities. To combat this, policymakers […]
A new book edited by Jean-Paul Faguet and Sarmistha Pal, titled “Decentralised Governance: Crafting Effective Democracies Around the World,” brings together a new generation of political economy studies, blending theoretical insights with empirical innovation, including […]
In recent years, governments worldwide have increasingly devolved powers to locally elected leaders. This has led to a growing interest in understanding the impact of local democracy on governance outcomes. A recent policy research paper […]
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