Showing papers in "Regional & Federal Studies in 2005"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed and discussed the Europeanization process in two unitary member states, Estonia and Finland, and found that the process is not straightforward, but is conditioned largely by domestic policy practices and institutional constellations.
Abstract: The Europeanization of sub-national institutions has been on the research agenda for some time. There are arguments both for presuming a growing power of regional actors, a gradual weakening of the nation states, and for emphasizing the continuous importance and renewal capacity of the states. The mechanisms by which this process takes place are less well known and there is a scarcity of comparative empirical studies presenting evidence for either of the above arguments. In order to shed light on the influencing factors in the process, this article analyses and discusses the Europeanization process in two unitary member states, Estonia and Finland. The policy area in focus is regional policy. The results suggest that the Europeanization process is not straightforward, but is conditioned largely by domestic policy practices and institutional constellations. In the Estonian case, the brief period of independence has been characterized by institutional turbulence, which has eventually led to a centralized st...
60 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a theoretical framework for the Europeanization of regional policy-making as well as for the impact of Europeanization on regional societies is developed for the future fabric of societies and regional political exchange.
Abstract: Today we witness the process of Europeanization of subnational regions in the 2004 pre-enlargement EU countries and in the new member states. This article reflects on our knowledge about this phenomenon, especially with regard to an East – West comparison. It asks: which promising theoretical approaches have been developed so far for the analysis of (a) the institutional options the Europeanization process provides for the regions and (b) the Europeanization of policy-making in the regions. It points outs that current research is in danger of overestimating formal institutional convergence when comparing the Europeanization of regions, and of underestimating and/or overlooking the consequences of institutional reform for the future fabric of societies and regional political exchange. For the Europeanization of regional policy-making as well as for the impact of Europeanization on regional societies a theoretical framework is developed here.
50 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that the changes reflect the distinct politics of place and the way policy makers, often insensibly, respond to their particular problems and debates in ways that vary territorially and produce different outcomes.
Abstract: For all that there is a well-entrenched sense of the differences among the different peoples of the UK, there has been surprising reluctance to accept the extent to which these differences translate into divergent public policy trajectories. That means the extent of policy divergence since devolution has been something of an uncomfortable surprise for many. Its speed, given the common heritages, similar organizations, shared problems, and pressures for convergence between the four systems might startle – in an increasingly globalized world (and medicine has long been cosmopolitan) their divergence is striking and explaining it important. If there is to be change in a mature welfare state such as that of the United Kingdom, it will most likely be through the accretion of such changes to existing systems. And, I argue, the changes reflect the distinct politics of place and the way policy makers, often insensibly, respond to their particular problems and debates in ways that vary territorially and produce te...
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the impact of EU funds on regional administrations in Poland and the Czech Republic and reveal that existing territorial structures of the state and traditions of regionalism inform regional institutional responses to the challenge of preparing to implement Structural Funds.
Abstract: The varying impact of preparing to implement EU regional funds on regional administrations in countries due to join the EU in May 2004 is an under-researched topic. Broad systemic convergence can be seen, as countries respond to common EU pressures for reform. However, existing territorial structures of the state and traditions of regionalism inform regional institutional responses to the challenge of preparing to implement Structural Funds. Comparing the impact of EU funds on regional administrations in Poland and the Czech Republic reveals differences. These influence the regions' potential engagement in economic development in an enlarged Europe.
39 citations
TL;DR: The divergence of the Scottish and English systems of higher education has been highlighted in this article. English policy is based on differentiation and competition, while Scotland has favoured integration and more egalitarianism.
Abstract: The twentieth century saw a convergence of the Scottish and English systems of higher education. Since devolution in 1999 there has been divergence. English policy is based on differentiation and competition, while Scotland has favoured integration and more egalitarianism. Scotland has not followed England in introducing up-front tuition fees or top-up fees. These differences are consistent with overall patterns of divergence in public service provision after devolution.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine policy divergence and convergence from the perspective of territorial politics and argue that the practice of assuming policy ownership and the contest for policy control have more significance for territorial politics than does the divergence or convergence of public policy.
Abstract: This article examines policy divergence and convergence from the perspective of territorial politics. It considers the significance and consequences of policy divergence, and the manner in which public policies are used to serve territorial objectives in multi-level states. It argues that the practice of assuming policy ownership, and the contest for policy control, have more significance for territorial politics than does the divergence or convergence of public policy. Its focus is on Scotland and the UK, but it draws upon the experiences of Quebec and Canada to gain insight into the territorial politics of policy development in a multi-level and multi-national state.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that these partnerships can provide support for the concept of governance in which the state continues to play an important role in steering the direction of policy, and they become an example of the state's ability to adjust to a changing environment rather than its hollowing out.
Abstract: Regional development partnerships were introduced in Sweden in 1998 as part of a new regional policy. Here it is argued that these partnerships can provide support for the concept of governance in which the state continues to play an important role in steering the direction of policy. On the surface, as a decentralized organizational form, emphasizing inclusion of a broad range of regional stakeholders in the production of regional growth agreements/programmes, the partnerships would seem to fit a strategy of 'letting other regimes rule' on the part of the state. However, the central role played by the Swedish county administrative boards (the extended arm of the state in the region), suggests that the partnerships could also be a way for central government to retain control over the direction of regional development. In this way, they become an example of the state's ability to adjust to a changing environment rather than its 'hollowing out'.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the effect of devolution on policy choices in the United Kingdom, Spain and Belgium in terms of the allocation of competences, historic influences, policy communities and political conditions.
Abstract: Devolution has transferred important policy competences to sub-state levels in Europe but there has been little research on the effect of this on policy choices. Studies of the United Kingdom, Spain and Belgium illustrate different patterns, dependent on the allocation of competences, historic influences, policy communities and political conditions.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the process of cognitive Europeanization of territorial policies and how this process is impacting on multilevel governance, focusing on sub-national actors as key elements in the adaptation of domestic political systems to these European norms.
Abstract: This article explores the process of ‘cognitive Europeanization’ of territorial policies and how this process is impacting on multilevel governance. Over the last two decades, a number of European spatial programmes have developed similar norms of action at the local and regional level. Focusing on the interactive character of the Europeanization process, the author considers sub-national actors as key elements in the adaptation of domestic political systems to these European norms. Drawing on a comparative study of territorial policies in France and Spain, the article illustrates how the policy transfer of EU-level norms is producing structural changes in territorial governance. Socialized to a European model of local development, it is argued, both regional actors and regional institutions are Europeanizing their policies without EU legislation.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors use insights from comparative federalism to reflect upon the structure and functioning of the European Union and assesses whether the Constitutional Treaty will be able to provide an escape route from the double legitimacy trap.
Abstract: The article uses insights from comparative federalism to reflect upon the structure and functioning of the European Union. The analysis shows that the EU corresponds rather closely to the model of cooperative federalism. The EU's structural deficiencies are revealed by comparison with German federal experience, which helps explain why the EU has manoeuvred itself into a double legitimacy trap in which declining problem-solving capacity (output legitimacy) can no longer compensate for the lack of democratic participation and accountability (input legitimacy). The article then assesses whether the Constitutional Treaty will be able to provide an escape route from the double legitimacy trap.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline the modern historical evolution of the Swiss political system and describe the main features of its contemporary federalism, focusing on how the division of competences and the distribution of power have changed over time, on the factors which have driven these changes, leading to a description of the current situation created by these developments.
Abstract: This article outlines the modern historical evolution of the Swiss political system and describes the main features of its contemporary federalism. In particular, it focuses on how the division of competences and the distribution of power have changed over time, on the factors which have driven these changes, leading to a description of the current situation created by these developments. It then compares the Swiss experience with that of the European Union and draws some lessons from this for the debate on the evolution of the European Union and, in particular, on the adoption and the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. Although it emphasizes the role of historical experiences and of political culture in shaping Swiss federalism and the difficulties, if not the impossibility, of replicating them in the European context, it concludes that the EU could learn from Switzerland but may not do so.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors delineate changes in the institutions of Swiss federalism and show that the old instruments of federalism, established in the nineteenth century, still represent strong veto points which enable the small, conservative and rural cantons to block national policy decisions.
Abstract: This article aims to delineate changes in the institutions of Swiss federalism. It shows that that the ‘old’ instruments of federalism, established in the nineteenth century, still represent strong veto points which enable the small, conservative and rural cantons to block national policy decisions. Urban cantons, on the other hand, resort to the ‘new’ institutions of federalism, developed in the course of the twentieth century, in order to influence the federal policy formulation process. Furthermore, cantonal governments have opened up informal channels of influence in order to compensate for their loss of power in the course of the strengthening of direct democracy.
TL;DR: In this article, the internal divisions leading to the end of the Volksunie are analyzed in order to acquire more insight into the internal division within ethno-regional parties.
Abstract: The internal divisions leading to the end of the Volksunie are analysed in order to acquire more insight into the internal divisions within ethno-regional parties. Based on a combination of inter- and intra-party research, five possible sources of internal divisions are revealed and tested. We find three well-defined groups of party members that take an adversarial position to each other on all five possible sources of factionalism. As long as there is an overarching loyalty, sustained by a common belief in the necessity of constitutional reforms, divisions can be overcome. Once the region has been granted more autonomy, intra-party divisions tend to step into the limelight.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that initial policy changes facilitate further reform as they affect actors' preferences and feasibility assessments of policy alternatives, and that institutional change as such is not sufficient to generate policy change as the case of the French Community shows.
Abstract: Regionalization of education policy in Belgium in 1988 started a process of growing policy divergence. Reforms in the Flemish Community testify to a new view on the role of the state, whereas the French Community reproduced the national policy legacy. Political party adaptation appears to be the crucial intervening factor explaining institutional and policy change in Belgium. Party adaptation creates opportunities for policy entrepreneurs. Moreover, initial policy changes facilitate further reform as they affect actors' preferences and feasibility assessments of policy alternatives. All of this also means that institutional change as such is not sufficient to generate policy change as the case of the French Community shows.
TL;DR: In this article, the similarities and differences between Belgium and the EU as multi-level polities and indicates what they might learn from each other, focusing on the internal structure of the components that form the multi-levelled polity, in the processes of central decision-making and in the institutional framework at large.
Abstract: This article highlights the similarities and differences between Belgium and the EU as multi-level polities and indicates what they might learn from each other. The comparison focuses on (dis)similarities in the internal structure of the components that form the multi-levelled polity, in the processes of central decision-making and in the institutional framework at large. I argue that plural multi-level polities can be more easily sustained if their centre respects the linguistic and territorial integrity of the constituent entities, central decision-making rules are ‘majority-constraining’ and institutional adaptation takes the character of piecemeal reform. Facing growing electoral discontent, leaders in both polities must confront the challenge of maintaining a sufficiently strong centre, while at the same time fostering inter-segmental cooperation in order to stimulate the gradual creation of a trans-segmental public sphere.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of devolution on early childhood education and care provision in the UK has been examined, focusing on the case of Early Childhood Education and Care provision, which has experienced a remarkable expansion in provision across the UK in recent years.
Abstract: Devolution has reshaped the ‘public space(s)’ within which policy is made in the UK, but with sometimes unexpected and paradoxical results. Focusing on the case of early childhood education and care provision, which has experienced a remarkable expansion in provision across the UK in recent years, this article analyses the impact of devolution on public policymaking. The ‘public space’ concept provides a framework within which the influence on early childhood education and care provision of various public and private structures and actors is assessed. Within this framework the article addresses ‘unexpected’ patterns of policy development. These include: the apparently greater policy innovation of the Welsh Assembly Government compared to the formally more powerful Scottish Executive and the seemingly expansive ambitions of the UK/English government in early years policy compared to that in the traditionally more ‘radical’ or ‘social democratic’ nations of Scotland and Wales. The latter of these ‘...
TL;DR: There is also a division between the main state-wide parties over secularism and the degree of inequality in the education system as discussed by the authors, and there is an effort to recentralize the educational system, to emphasize conservative values and Spanish national identity.
Abstract: Spanish autonomous communities have extensive powers in education, gradually extended since the 1980s. These have been used to engage in region and nation-building at the level of the autonomous communities. There is also a division between the main state-wide parties over secularism and the degree of inequality in the education system. Under the government of the Popular Party (1996–2004) there was an effort to recentralize the educational system, to emphasize conservative values and Spanish national identity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the catching up quest articulated by Andalusia to gain a similar status and degree of autonomy as those achieved by the historical nationalities (Basque Country, Catalonia and Galicia).
Abstract: Decentralization of the Spanish welfare state has stimulated regional policy innovation. A ‘demonstration effect’ among all Spanish Comunidades Autonomas has so far acted as a policy equalizer. In Andalusia, where a strong sense of common identity is widely shared, the regional government (Junta) has implemented new welfare policies which have contributed to consolidate its institutional legitimacy. This article reviews the process of decentralization in Spain. It concentrates on the ‘catching up’ quest articulated by Andalusia to gain a similar status and degree of autonomy as those achieved by the ‘historical nationalities’ (Basque Country, Catalonia and Galicia).
TL;DR: This article examined a number of the provisions in the EU's Constitutional Treaty and measures them against traditional notions of federalism and federal constitutionalism on the basis of these criteria, and found that many of these provisions of the Constitutional Treaty are found wanting.
Abstract: As the European Union has sought to develop a political and cultural personality beyond mere trade and regulatory harmonization, the modern federal model has an obvious appeal Federalism's advantages for diverse or widely dispersed populations have always included the notion of legitimate shared rule as well as scope for local autonomy Intergovernmental relations like those in Canada can emerge when governments enjoy relative autonomy yet are obliged by the complexities of modern governing to consult and collaborate in order to be more effective within their own spheres of jurisdiction This article examines a number of the provisions in the EU's Constitutional Treaty and measures them against traditional notions of federalism and federal constitutionalism On the basis of these criteria, many of the provisions of the Constitutional Treaty are found wanting An examination of the practice and experience of Canadian federalism further demonstrates the problems to which these provisions might lead
TL;DR: The Spanish autonomous communities all have responsibilities in this area and vary in the degree and nature of exclusion risks faced by their populations as mentioned in this paper, which are analysed along the axes of public powers versus market solutions, and families versus social networks.
Abstract: Social exclusion is a relatively new term intended to capture the changing nature of poverty. It is difficult to operationalize and may be defined differently among governments. The Spanish autonomous communities all have responsibilities in this area and vary in the degree and nature of exclusion risks faced by their populations. They have developed distinct strategies, which are analysed along the axes of public powers versus market solutions, and families versus social networks.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse the recent evolution of nationalism in the French Basque Country and present the axes of its present-day consolidation: its role in the development policies started by the authorities in the 1990s, and its involvement in the policies that postulate the institutionalization of the FrenchBasque Country.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to analyse the recent evolution of nationalism in the French Basque Country. After considering some of the factors that explain its weak electoral showing, which contrasts with its strength in the cultural and economic spheres, we present the axes of its present-day consolidation: its role in the development policies started by the authorities in the 1990s, and its role in the policies that postulate the institutionalization of the French Basque Country. Both factors have made it possible for nationalism to occupy a key position in the local political debate.
TL;DR: The early United States and the European Union managed without an ultimate arbiter and assesses the differing priorities of the two systems as mentioned in this paper, and how the Constitutional Treaty might change the delicate balance wrought by the European Court of Justice in Europe, and what lessons, if any, the early American experience might offer.
Abstract: Although an ‘ultimate arbiter’ is generally accepted as a necessary element of a federation, emerging federal systems are often unable to agree on who should play the role. Legally, the debate surrounds the right to monitor the limits of federal and state competences – or the right to Kompetenz-Kompetenz. This article looks at how the early United States and the European Union managed without an ultimate arbiter and assesses the differing priorities of the two systems. It then examines how the Constitutional Treaty might change the delicate balance wrought by the European Court of Justice in Europe, and what lessons, if any, the early American experience might offer.
TL;DR: In this article, content analysis is used as a new way of measuring regionalism, and as an alternative to survey data, which can be applied to the study of regionalism and discuss the benefits and limitations of the method.
Abstract: So far, most research on regionalism has applied qualitative research methods. However, a quantitative methodology would be an important complement, allowing researchers to test hypotheses and reach more general conclusions about the causes and effects of regionalism. The main problem facing the would-be quantitative researcher is the lack of data on regional identities, particularly before the 1990s. This article aims to remedy this problem by introducing content analysis as a new way of measuring regionalism, and as an alternative to survey data. The article develops a specific research design that can be applied to the study of regionalism, as well as discussing the benefits and limitations of the method. Its practical applicability is demonstrated by a study of the Rogaland region in Norway.
TL;DR: For over half a century the European Union has moved, seemingly inexorably, towards an apparently 'unknown destination' (Shonfield, 1973), without the nature of that destination becoming any cleare...
Abstract: For over half a century the European Union has moved, seemingly inexorably, towards an apparently ‘unknown destination’ (Shonfield, 1973), without the nature of that destination becoming any cleare...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the ability of subnational heads of government to constrain the power of the federal government in the Russian Federation and examine under which conditions regional executives have operated since the beginning of the 1990s.
Abstract: This study discusses the ability of subnational heads of government to constrain the power of the federal government in the Russian Federation. The intention is to examine under which conditions regional executives have operated since the beginning of the 1990s. The study also takes a comparative approach by examining the formal institutional strength of subnational executives in 24 other contemporary federal states. The Russian executives have had potential for strong leadership at the regional level and moderate abilities to exercise influence at the parliamentary arena, while the regions have been allocated with few constitutional powers.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw on the experience of some prominent federal and confederal systems in order to shed light on the transformations of the EU that may be brought about by the Constitutional Treaty signed in October 2004.
Abstract: This volume has drawn on the experience of some prominent federal and confederal systems in order to shed light on the transformations of the EU that may be brought about by the Constitutional Treaty signed in October 2004. This concluding article will focus on some key points that emerge from the case studies and offer some comparative reflections applied to the European Union. Four broad issues appear to have a particularly strong bearing on the evolution of the EU. The first is naturally the significance of the Constitutional Treaty itself, and the impact it is likely to have on the nature of the EU's political system. Secondly, there are questions of how the division of policy-making competences is likely to evolve and whether a dual or a cooperative form of con/federalism is taking root. Here the evolving role of subsidiarity may be important, as several of the authors in this volume have suggested. Thirdly, how will dispute resolution between the two main levels of the EU system be managed and, in p...
TL;DR: Altai krai and Altai Republic as mentioned in this paper are participating in a regionalism initiative with the contiguous regions of China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, which aims at coordinating policy on economic development in the sub-region of the Altai Mountains.
Abstract: President Putin's strategy of centralizing power in the Russian Federation has particular implications for Russia's border regions which have been pursuing engagement with neighbouring states. Altai krai and Altai Republic – two Russian border regions in southwest Siberia – are participating in a regionalism initiative with the contiguous regions of China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. This multi-lateral regional alliance between sub-national administrations aims at coordinating policy on economic development in the sub-region of the Altai Mountains. The prospects of the Greater Altai initiative hinge largely on political and economic support from the Russian federal authorities.
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of regionalism in the Congress of People's Deputies of Russia between 1990 and 1993 and its implications for future reform, including the development of federal relations is discussed.
Abstract: Despite the growing influence of the parliamentary system and at the same time of regionalist tendencies in early postcommunist Russia, little attention has so far been paid to the role of deputies in the national parliament as the agency by which contending claims were aggregated. This study focuses upon the influence of regionalism in the Congress of People's Deputies of Russia between 1990 and 1993 and its implications for future reform, including the development of federal relations. This discussion of regionalism in the Congresses leads us to the conclusion that regional socio-economic disparities affected the attitudes of deputies towards reform including possible changes in centre–periphery relations. However, the study also shows that regional interest articulation was rather chaotic, hampering the legislative process and encouraging an increasing diversity in regional patterns of reform. If the powers of the regions are to take place in a more stable manner, this study suggests, regional coordina...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the order of competences proposed in the Constitutional Treaty in the light of the challenge to create a more democratic, more transparent and more efficient Union, and proposed several changes to the current system designed to clarify, simplify and adjust the division of competence between the Union and the member states.
Abstract: One of the most complex constitutional issues in the European Union is the delimitation of competences. On 18 June 2004, the Intergovernmental Conference approved the text of a Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. In accordance with the Laeken mandate, it contains several changes to the current system designed to clarify, simplify and adjust the division of competences between the Union and the member states. This article examines the order of competences proposed in the Constitutional Treaty in the light of the challenge to create a more democratic, more transparent and more efficient Union.
TL;DR: Transforming Local Governance: From Thatcherism to New Labour as discussed by the authors, by Gerry Stoker. Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.
Abstract: Transforming Local Governance: From Thatcherism to New Labour. By Gerry Stoker. Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. Pp.xiv + 250. £55.00 (hardback), £18.99 (paperback). ISBN 0 333 8...