Dynamics and Issues of Local Autonomy: A Comparative Study

This book explores local autonomy as measured by the updated and extended Local Autonomy Index, and considers the underlying issues related to this multidimensional concept. It analyses dynamics spanning over three decades concerning the dimensions of local autonomy and its variables and indicators.

Adopting an international comparative perspective, authors examine common and differing features of various states to show how these features pertain to local autonomy, as well as what impacts derive from local government configurations. Chapters cover 57 countries situated on six continents over a span of 31 years, including almost all member states of the European Union, Council of Europe and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The authors define local autonomy as a multifaceted concept which can be measured through legal, functional, financial, organizational, administrative and central-or-regional-access dimensions. With fresh empirical data and findings on local autonomy, they capture its evolving nature.

Dynamics and Issues of Local Autonomy is an essential read for scholars of public administration, regulation and governance, public policy and political science. Providing a better understanding of the factors that influence local autonomy and its implications for governance and service delivery, this book is a vital resource for practitioners and policymakers alike.

The late Andreas Ladner, formerly Professor of Political Institutions and Public Administration, Swiss Graduate Institute of Public Administration (IDHEAP), University of Lausanne, Nicolas Keuffer, Senior Research Fellow, Alexander Bastianen, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate, Swiss Graduate Institute of Public Administration (IDHEAP), University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Harald Baldersheim, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, University of Oslo, Norway, Nikos Hlepas, Professor of Regional Administration and Self Government, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, Carmen Navarro, Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, Kristof Steyvers, Professor, Department of Political Science, Ghent University, Belgium and Paweł Swianiewicz, Professor of Local Government and Urban Economics, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland