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Optimality and Authority: A Critique of Neoclassical Theory

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  • Gary Marks
  • Liesbet Hooghe

Abstract

The extent to which authority is centralized varies greatly across time and space, as the experience of Europe over the past half century illustrates. This article initiates a dialogue between two literatures: the neoclassical theory of authority and the analysis of multi‐level governance. Neoclassical theory examines the tension between the benefits of centralization and the costs of imposing uniformity across diverse territories. It implies that multi‐level governance is the optimal response to this trade‐off. This article critically examines the assumptions of neoclassical theory, and offers some building blocks for an alternative approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Marks & Liesbet Hooghe, 2000. "Optimality and Authority: A Critique of Neoclassical Theory," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 795-816, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:38:y:2000:i:5:p:795-816
    DOI: 10.1111/1468-5965.00265
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    Cited by:

    1. Jussi Laine, 2013. "Building a Transnational Space for Action," International Studies, , vol. 50(1-2), pages 184-202, January.
    2. Goran Dominioni & Alberto Quintavalla & Alessandro Romano, 2020. "Trust spillovers among national and European institutions," European Union Politics, , vol. 21(2), pages 276-293, June.
    3. Libman, Alexander Mikhailovich, 2009. "Эндогенные Границы И Распределение Власти В Федерациях И Международных Сообществах [ENDOGENOUS BOUNDARIES AND DISTRIBUTION OF POWER In the Federation]," MPRA Paper 16473, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Samuel Adams & Kingsley Agomor, 2020. "Decentralization, Partisan Politics, and National Development in Ghana," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 351-366, June.
    5. Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Andrey Timofeev, 2008. "A fiscal perspective of state rescaling," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 2(1), pages 85-105.
    6. Tiziana Caponio, 2021. "Governing Migration through Multi‐Level Governance? City Networks in Europe and the United States," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(6), pages 1590-1606, November.
    7. Liesbet Hooghe, Gary Marks, 2002. "Types of Multi-Level Governance," Les Cahiers européens de Sciences Po 3, Centre d'études européennes (CEE) at Sciences Po, Paris.

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