Hierarchical interventions and environmental collaboration among municipal governments: a bottom-up analysis

Collaboration has been recognized as an effective approach to govern public affairs and there has been considerable debate about the impact of the shadow of hierarchy on interlocal collaboration. However, few studies have examined the bottom-up influences of interlocal collaboration characteristics on hierarchical interventions. This research gap limits our understanding of the interaction between collaboration and hierarchy. To bridge the gap, this article discusses the antecedents of the selective intervention of higher-level governments by exploring the case of environmental collaboration in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. We find that the number of participants, the initiators of collaboration, and the level of formalization are the key factors influencing the strategic choices of hierarchical interventions. Further, establishing formal mechanisms in multi-actor and cross-provincial collaborations can partially alleviate the dependence of local governments on higher levels. This study facilitates a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of interlocal collaborations.