Decentralization and Intrastate Struggles

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Kristin M. Bakke has produced the best and most systematic study to date on how decentralization can impact prospects for peace and stability in countries facing separatist threats. Challenging prominent preexisting approaches, this book treats decentralization not as a single act that then generates one outcome or another, but instead as the institutionalization of a certain set of processes that shape relationships between center and periphery. The impact of decentralization is thus neither uniformly positive nor negative but depends crucially on context, in particular the nature of the identity divides facing the country and patterns of wealth distribution across and within regions. ... Decentralization and Intrastate Struggles will be important for anyone who is interested in federalism, ethnic conflict, and post-conflict settlement.' Henry Hale, George Washington University 'For decades, both scholars and policy makers have debated the advantages and disadvantages of decentralization in maintaining peace in divided societies; but with little resolution about when it might be desirable. Until now. ... Bakke weaves together a compelling set of arguments, statistical analysis, and deeply researched case studies of Chechnya, Punjab, and Quebec to reduce a potentially bewildering array of plausible explanatory factors to the interactions of just a few: the interplay between states and regions, and autonomy and societal traits. The result is a satisfying and useful general explanation unpacking the conditions under which decentralization is war-provoking or peace-preserving.' Monica Duffy Toft, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford