This edited volume examines the form and operation of intergovernmental relations in divided societies. Using eight country case studies, it explores the interplay between politicised ethno-cultural diversity and intergovernmental relations (IGR) in countries where the distinctive identity of at least one subnational unit is acknowledged in a form of territorial autonomy. The book examines whether and how the distinctive identity of particular subnational units and the attending competing constitutional visions shape the dynamics of IGR. The goal here is not simply to determine whether intergovernmental interactions in such societies are less cordial and more conflictual than in other societies. Such interaction in any society could be strained as a result of disagreement over specific policy objectives. The question is whether the distinctive identity of particular subnational units and the attending competing constitutional visions themselves have been a primary source of intergovernmental tension. 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. It is also about the relevance and effectiveness of institutions and instruments of IGR in acknowledging and accommodating the distinctive identities and specific demands of subnational units, thereby contributing to the peaceful management of divided societies.
Author(s): Yonatan T. Fessha, Karl Kössler, Francesco Palermo
Series: Comparative Territorial Politics
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 266
City: Cham
Introduction
1. Why This Book: Filling the Research Gap
2. Key Concepts: ‘Intergovernmental Relations’ and ‘Divided Societies’
3. The Objectives of This Book
4. Case Selection and Structure of the Book
References
Contents
Editors and Contributors
About the Editors
Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
1 The Paradox of Cooperation: Intergovernmental Relations and Identity Conflict in Switzerland
1 Introduction
2 Identity Divisions in Switzerland: Languages and Cantons
2.1 Definitions and Demographics
2.2 Identities and Conflicts
3 Swiss Federalism Over Time: Loss of Self-Rule and Insufficient Shared Rule
4 IGR as an Alternative to centralisation—and Cantonal Autonomy
5 IGR and Identity Politics: Reinforcing and Weakening Each Other
5.1 Language as One of Many Drivers of IGR
5.2 Inter-Territorial Rivalries and Complementarities
5.3 Civic Nationhood
6 Conclusion
References
2 Bilingualism, Quebec’s Distinctiveness, and Intergovernmental Relations in Canada
1 Introduction
2 Bilingualism and Quebec’s Distinctiveness
3 Institutions and Processes of IGR
4 Intergovernmental Tensions
5 IGR Arrangements to Manage a Divided Society
5.1 Effects of the Diverse Society on IGR Arrangements and Practices
5.2 Effectiveness of IGR Arrangements in Managing the Tensions
6 Conclusion
References
3 Intergovernmental Relations in Belgium: Obstacles to Effective Cooperation in Dyadic Federalism
1 Introduction: Belgium as a Divided State
2 Autonomy Arrangements in the Belgian Federal System
3 Intergovernmental Relations in Belgium
3.1 Legislative Intergovernmental Relations
3.2 Executive Intergovernmental Relations
3.2.1 The Federal Government
3.2.2 Executive Intergovernmental Cooperation
3.2.3 European Decision-Making and Foreign Affairs
3.2.4 Conflict Management Mechanisms
4 Intergovernmental Interaction in Practice
5 Conclusion: IGR as a Tool for Multinational Conflict Management
References
4 Plurinationalism, Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations in the United Kingdom
1 Introduction
2 The Plurinational State
3 Devolution in the UK
4 Existing Intergovernmental Institutions and Processes
5 UK IGR in Practice
6 IGR: A Tool of Plurinational Management?
7 Conclusion: Looking Back to Look Forward
References
5 Intergovernmental Relations and Ethnic Federalism in Ethiopia
1 Introduction
2 A Divided Society
3 The Ethiopian Federal System in Brief
4 Institutions of IGR
4.1 Legislative IGR
4.2 Executive IGR
4.3 Other Intergovernmental Forums
5 Identity Politics and IGR
6 Conclusion
References
6 Redundancy of Existence: Intergovernmental Relations in India
1 Introduction
2 Faultlines
3 Autonomy Arrangements
4 Institutions of IGR
5 The Effects of Identity Politics on IGR
6 The Relevance and Effectiveness of IGR
7 Concluding Observations
References
7 Intergovernmental Relations and Communal Tensions in Spain
1 Introduction: Historical, Constitutional, Political and Social Context
2 Autonomy Arrangements in Spain
3 IGR Institutions and Processes in Spain
3.1 IGR Involving Executive Branches of Government
3.2 IGR Involving the Legislative Branch
4 IGR and the Management of Communal Tension
4.1 Identity Politics and the Interaction Between Levels of Government
4.2 IGR and the Management of Identity Politics
References
8 Intergovernmental Relations and Identity Politics in Italy
1 Autonomy and Diversity Management in Italy: Asymmetry as a Means to Address Differences
1.1 Historical Background and Evolution of Autonomy
1.2 The Asymmetrical Constitutional Framework
1.2.1 Special Regions: Essential Features
1.2.2 Ordinary and (Potentially) Differentiated Regions
1.2.3 Limited Implementation of Reforms, the Role of the Constitutional Court, and the Lack of a Federal Culture
2 IGR Institutions and Processes
2.1 General Instruments of IGR: The Conferences and Their Role
2.2 Special Instruments: Joint Committees for the Implementation of Special Autonomy Statutes
3 IGR and Identity Politics
3.1 The Link Between IGR, Identity Politics, and a (Partially) Divided Society
3.2 Special IGR and Management of Identity Issues
3.3 Identity Politics and the Effectiveness of Special Instruments
3.4 South Tyrol’s Special IGR in Times of Emergency: Further Confirmation of the Strength of the Identity Factor
4 Future Scenarios: Concluding Remarks
References
Comparative Observations
Introduction
Divided Societies
Intergovernmental Institutions and Instruments
Divided Societies and the Nature of Intergovernmental Relations
Divided Societies and IGR Arrangements
References
