Asymmetric Decentralization: Nature and Determinants

Santiago Lago-Peñas, María Cadaval-Sampedro, Jorge Martínez-Vázquez and Ana Herrero-Alcalde
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Santiago Lago-Peñas

No WP2605, IDEAGOV Working Papers from IDEAGOV - International Center for Decentralization and Governance

Abstract: This paper provides a systematic empirical analysis of the determinants of asymmetric decentralization across a broad cross-section of countries and regions. Using data from the Regional Authority Index (RAI), the authors examine both cross-country and cross-regional variation and assess the extent to which structural factors—such as ethnic fragmentation, population size, territorial diversity, and geographic characteristics—shape asymmetric outcomes. The study finds that geographic, demographic and social variables explain asymmetry more consistently than economic or political factors. At the regional level, distance from the national capital and linguistic distinctiveness are associated with above-average authority. Dynamic analysis shows that transitions to democracy act as catalysts that activate underlying structural conditions, increasing asymmetry over time.

Keywords: asymmetric decentralization; multilevel governance; regional authority; ethnic fragmentation; robust regression; territorial diversity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C23 H11 H77 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 35 pages
Date: 2026-01-29
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https://repec.ideagov.eu/RePEc/ida/wpaper/WP2605.pdf First version, 2026 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Working Paper: Asymmetric Decentralization: Nature and Determinants (2026)
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