
The Decentralization Delusion
Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development
Routledge (Publisher)
Published on 4. June 2026
204 pages
978-1-040-87525-4 (ISBN)
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Description
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The Decentralization Delusion challenges the narrative that decentralization leads to enhanced democratic practices and higher levels of economic and social development.
Instead, the book argues that decentralization theory tends to rely on assumptions which are idealistic and mostly inappropriate to non-Western contexts. Diving into over 50 case studies from around the globe, the book extensively assesses the intended and unintended outcomes of different types and levels of decentralization. By juxtaposing the ideals of decentralization against the challenges of real-world implementation, the book lays the foundations for understanding what the prerequisites for success are and what the shortfalls can be. Ultimately, the book argues that we need types and forms of decentralization that are created from the bottom up and are embedded in the local culture, history, experiences, and desires, rather than in idealistic and inapplicable assumptions, beliefs, and theories.
This book's broad-ranging analysis and compelling arguments will be of interest to students, researchers, and practitioners of development, politics, conflict, public administration, and public policy.
Instead, the book argues that decentralization theory tends to rely on assumptions which are idealistic and mostly inappropriate to non-Western contexts. Diving into over 50 case studies from around the globe, the book extensively assesses the intended and unintended outcomes of different types and levels of decentralization. By juxtaposing the ideals of decentralization against the challenges of real-world implementation, the book lays the foundations for understanding what the prerequisites for success are and what the shortfalls can be. Ultimately, the book argues that we need types and forms of decentralization that are created from the bottom up and are embedded in the local culture, history, experiences, and desires, rather than in idealistic and inapplicable assumptions, beliefs, and theories.
This book's broad-ranging analysis and compelling arguments will be of interest to students, researchers, and practitioners of development, politics, conflict, public administration, and public policy.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Reflowable
Illustrations
3 Tables, black and white; 4 Line drawings, black and white; 1 Halftones, black and white; 5 Illustrations, black and white
File size
2,62 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-87525-4 (9781040875254)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Ruby Dagher | Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi
The Decentralization Delusion
Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development
Book
06/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Shipment within 15-20 days

Ruby Dagher | Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi
The Decentralization Delusion
Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development
Book
06/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€52.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Ruby Dagher is Assistant Professor at the School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Consultant in the field of international development; and Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).
Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi is a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She is a Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).
Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi is a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She is a Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).
Content
1: Decentralization: An Introduction to the Underlying Delusion PART I: THE THEORIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 2: Understanding the Connection Between the Theoretical Foundations of Decentralization and Democratic Dividends 3: Bridging Theory, Decentralization, Peace, and Conflict Prevention PART II: WHAT THE EVIDENCE TELLS US 4: What the Evidence Reveals: The Decentralization-Democracy Interplay 5: The Intersection Between Decentralization and Conflict: Uncovering the Evidence 6: Missing the Point: The Complexity of the Interplay between Decentralization and Legitimacy PART III: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? 7: Decentralization: What Now and Where Do We Go from Here?
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