Intergovernmental Relations in Divided Societies

This edited volume explores the interplay between politicized ethno-cultural diversity and intergovernmental relations (IGR) in divided societies, using eight country case studies to examine whether the distinctive identity of subnational units and competing constitutional visions shape IGR dynamics. It also investigates the impact of identity politics on institutions and instruments of IGR and the relevance and effectiveness of these institutions in acknowledging and accommodating the distinctive identities and demands of subnational units.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 237 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume delves into the intricate dynamics of intergovernmental relations (IGR) within divided societies, examining the interplay between politicized ethno-cultural diversity and IGR. Through the analysis of eight country case studies, the book explores the complex relationship between the distinct identities of subnational units and the competing constitutional visions that shape IGR. Its primary objective goes beyond simply ascertaining whether intergovernmental interactions in these societies are more conflictual than in others. Rather, it seeks to understand whether the unique identities of subnational units and the attendant constitutional visions themselves contribute to intergovernmental tension.

The book also investigates the impact of identity politics on institutions and mechanisms of IGR, assessing whether the ethno-cultural divide and the associated tensions influence the types of institutions and instruments employed in IGR. Furthermore, it examines the relevance and effectiveness of these institutions and instruments in recognizing and accommodating the distinctive identities and specific demands of subnational units, thereby fostering peaceful management of divided societies.

In the first chapter, the editors provide an overview of the theoretical framework and empirical evidence used in the book. They argue that IGR in divided societies is shaped by a combination of factors, including the presence of multiple and competing identities, the distribution of power and resources, and the institutional arrangements that govern intergovernmental relations. They also highlight the importance of studying IGR in the context of globalization, as it provides a unique lens for understanding the dynamics of power and authority in a rapidly changing world.

The second chapter focuses on the case of India, examining the interplay between ethno-cultural diversity and IGR in the context of federalism. The authors argue that the Indian constitution recognizes the diversity of India's states and territories, leading to a complex system of intergovernmental relations. They explore how the distinct identities of states and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's political and social stability.

The third chapter examines the case of Spain, focusing on the role of regional governments in managing ethno-cultural diversity and IGR. The authors argue that Spain's decentralized system of government has facilitated the development of strong regional identities and the emergence of regional governments with significant autonomy. They explore how the distinctive identities of regions and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's political and social cohesion.

The fourth chapter examines the case of Belgium, focusing on the role of linguistic diversity and IGR. The authors argue that Belgium's multilingualism has created a complex system of intergovernmental relations, with different languages serving as markers of identity and belonging. They explore how the distinctive identities of linguistic communities and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's political and social stability.

The fifth chapter examines the case of Canada, focusing on the role of indigenous peoples in managing ethno-cultural diversity and IGR. The authors argue that Canada's history of colonization and marginalization has led to the development of strong indigenous identities and the emergence of indigenous governments with significant autonomy. They explore how the distinctive identities of indigenous peoples and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's efforts to promote reconciliation and healing.

The sixth chapter examines the case of South Africa, focusing on the role of race and IGR. The authors argue that South Africa's history of apartheid and the ongoing struggle for racial equality have created a complex system of intergovernmental relations, with race serving as a marker of identity and belonging. They explore how the distinctive identities of racial groups and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's efforts to promote social cohesion and economic development.

The seventh chapter examines the case of the United States, focusing on the role of federalism and IGR. The authors argue that the United States' federal system of government has facilitated the development of strong state and local identities and the emergence of a federal government with significant autonomy. They explore how the distinctive identities of states and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's political and social stability.

The eighth and final chapter examines the case of the European Union, focusing on the role of supranationalism and IGR. The authors argue that the European Union's supranational structure has created a complex system of intergovernmental relations, with member states and the European Commission sharing power and authority. They explore how the distinctive identities of member states and the competing constitutional visions shape IGR, and how these dynamics contribute to the country's efforts to promote economic integration and political cooperation.

In conclusion, this edited volume provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the form and operation of intergovernmental relations in divided societies. It highlights the complex interplay between politicized ethno-cultural diversity and IGR, and demonstrates how the distinctive identities of subnational units and the attendant constitutional visions shape the dynamics of IGR. The book also examines the impact of identity politics on institutions and instruments of IGR, determining whether the ethno-cultural divide and the tension it creates have the tendency to affect the type of institutions and instruments employed in IGR. By acknowledging and accommodating the distinctive identities and specific demands of subnational units, institutions and instruments of IGR can contribute to the peaceful management of divided societies.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030887872
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022