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Decentralized Local Governance In Fragile States: Learning From Iraq

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  • Brinkerhoff, Derick W.
  • Johnson, Ronald W.

Abstract

This article examines the role that local governance plays in creating an effective state and in building constructive state—society relations. Reconstruction efforts in fragile, post-conflict states have focused largely on central government, yet decentralized local authorities offer a number of positive features. Looking at the governance reconstruction experience in Iraq, the analysis explores the extent to which these positive features have characterized Iraqi sub-national government. The article draws lessons for governance reconstruction more generally, addressing decentralization choices, capacity-building, and political factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Brinkerhoff, Derick W. & Johnson, Ronald W., 2009. "Decentralized Local Governance In Fragile States: Learning From Iraq," MPRA Paper 21505, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:21505
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Satish Chand & Ruth Coffman, 2008. "How Soon Can Donors Exit From Post-Conflict States?," Working Papers 141, Center for Global Development.
    4. Sharma, Chanchal Kumar, 2004. "Decentralization Dilemma: Measuring the Degree and Evaluating the Outcomes," MPRA Paper 204, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Nov 2005.
    5. Falleti, Tulia G., 2005. "A Sequential Theory of Decentralization: Latin American Cases in Comparative Perspective," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 99(3), pages 327-346, August.
    6. Johnson, Ronald W., 1978. "Social policy planning in a federal structure: A social learning strategy," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 1(4), pages 259-264, January.
    7. Blair, Harry, 2000. "Participation and Accountability at the Periphery: Democratic Local Governance in Six Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 21-39, January.
    8. repec:bla:devpol:v:25:y:2007:i:5:p:533-574 is not listed on IDEAS
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. World Bank, 2016. "Decentralization and Subnational Service Delivery in Iraq," World Bank Publications - Reports 24757, The World Bank Group.
    2. Faguet, Jean-Paul, 2021. "Understanding decentralization: theory, evidence and method, with a focus on least-developed countries," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 108214, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Browne, Katherine Elizabeth & Razafiarimanana, Claudien & Jogannah, Rajini, 2024. "Informal institutions and “Imperfect Equity” in internationally financed adaptation in Madagascar and Mauritius," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    4. Christiana Parreira, 2021. "Power politics: Armed non-state actors and the capture of public electricity in post-invasion Baghdad," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 58(4), pages 749-762, July.
    5. Théodore METAXAS & Marie-Noëlle DUQUENNE, 2017. "Partnerships and development policies for small-medium enterprises in Greece: a CFA approach," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 45, pages 131-158.
    6. Grävingholt, Jörn & von Haldenwang, Christian, 2016. "The promotion of decentralisation and local governance in fragile contexts," IDOS Discussion Papers 20/2016, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    7. Maria‐Louise Clausen, 2020. "Decentralization as a strategy of regime maintenance: The case of Yemen," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 40(2), pages 119-128, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    capacity-building; decentralization; good governance; Iraq; post-conflict.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • H7 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations

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