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Decentralizing for a Deeper, More Supple Democracy
- Journal of Democracy
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 26, Number 4, October 2015
- pp. 60-74
- 10.1353/jod.2015.0059
- Article
- Additional Information
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We review recent evidence regarding decentralization and state strength and argue that decentralization can deepen democracy without compromising state strength if adequately designed. We examine how decentralization affects five key aspects of state strength: 1) Authority over territory and people, 2) Conflict prevention 3) Policy autonomy and the ability to uphold the law, 4) Responsive, accountable service provision, and 5) Social learning. We provide specific reform paths that should lead to strengthening in each.