Municipal Territorial Reforms of the 21st Century in Europe

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of territorial change on the municipal level across all European countries, building on extensive quantitative data and a large survey of academic experts. It explores the reasons and dynamics of territorial reform processes, making it a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners in local or sub-national government, institutional design, and political science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and up-to-date book provides a detailed examination of territorial change on the municipal level across all European countries. Taking a thematic and comparative approach, the book draws on extensive quantitative data and a comprehensive survey of academic experts from 33 European countries. Despite the strong diversity and relative instability of territorial organization at the municipal level in Europe, the last two decades have seen significant changes in territorial divisions across a range of countries.

In this book, the authors meticulously describe and analyze these changes, offering valuable insights into the reasons and dynamics of territorial reform processes. This book is of paramount interest to scholars, students, and practitioners in local or sub-national government, institutional design, political science, public administration/policy, human geography, sociology, and economics.

The authors begin by providing a historical overview of the evolution of territorial organization at the municipal level in Europe, highlighting the various factors that have shaped these changes. They then examine the political, economic, and social factors that influence territorial reform processes, including the role of national governments, regional institutions, and local actors.

The book also explores the different types of territorial reforms that have taken place across Europe, including amalgamations, mergers, and boundary adjustments. It examines the motivations behind these reforms, such as efficiency gains, administrative simplification, and political reorganization. The authors also consider the challenges and risks associated with territorial reform, such as resistance from local communities, opposition from political parties, and the potential for social and economic inequality.

Throughout the book, the authors use a range of empirical evidence, including statistical analysis, case studies, and interviews, to support their arguments. They also draw on theoretical perspectives from various disciplines, such as political science, public administration, and geography, to provide a comprehensive understanding of territorial change.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of territorial change on the municipal level in Europe. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the factors that shape territorial reform processes, the different types of reforms that have taken place, and the challenges and opportunities that arise from these changes. By providing a multidisciplinary perspective, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of territorial organization and governance in Europe.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367894542