Publication

This paper tries to determine whether decentralization either strengthens or weakens states. By examining six sources of governmental strength – the ability to 1) maintain national unity; 2) mitigate internal conflict; 3) formulate policy autonomously; 4) compel compliance with the law; 5) ensure responsive, accountable public services; and 6) improve social learning -- the paper's authors conclude that decentralization can indeed strengthen states, but primarily by influencing the democratic norms and practices that underpin them.