Local Politics in Jordan and Morocco: Strategies of Centralization and Decentralization

Authoritarian states in the Middle East and North Africa are under increasing pressure to decentralize political power, with Morocco devolving responsibilities to municipal councils and Jordan following a path of greater centralization. Janine A. Clark's book "Local Politics in Jordan and Morocco" examines why Morocco decentralized while Jordan did not and evaluates the impact of their divergent paths, ultimately explaining how authoritarian regimes can use decentralization reforms to consolidate power. Decentralization is a tactic authoritarian regimes employ to expand their base of support and strengthen patron-client ties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In recent years, authoritarian states in the Middle East and North Africa have faced mounting pressure from the international community to decentralize political power. Decentralization is seen as a solution that can promote good governance, civil society, and the provision of essential services to citizens, while also combating corruption. Two of these states, Jordan and Morocco, are monarchies with elected parliaments and have undergone liberalization efforts in recent decades.

Morocco began devolving certain responsibilities to municipal councils decades ago, while Jordan has consistently followed a path of greater centralization. Their experiences challenge prevailing assumptions about the benefits of localism.

Janine A. Clark delves into the reasons why Morocco decentralized while Jordan did not and assesses the impact of their divergent paths. She ultimately explains how authoritarian regimes can leverage decentralization reforms to consolidate power.

Local Politics in Jordan and Morocco, a comprehensive study, argues that decentralization is a strategy employed by authoritarian regimes to expand their support base and strengthen patron-client relationships. Clark analyzes the opportunities decentralization presents to local actors to pursue their interests and outlines how municipal-level figures exploit reforms to their advantage.

In Morocco, decentralization has not led to greater political inclusivity or improved services. Instead, it has entrenched pro-regime elites in power, while the main Islamist political party has also taken advantage of these reforms. In Jordan, decentralization would undermine the networks that benefit elites and their supporters.

Based on extensive fieldwork, Local Politics in Jordan and Morocco is a significant contribution to Middle East studies and political science that challenges our understanding of local politics in authoritarian contexts. The book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between central government, local actors, and international pressures, and sheds light on the potential outcomes of decentralization reforms in the region.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 185 x 237 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231183581