Central-Local Relations in Asia-Pacific: Convergence or Divergence?

by Mark Turner (Editor)

Overview

A source of perennial tension in states is the degree to which decision-making power and authority should be concentrated in central institutions and individuals. At present the conventional wisdom of central-local relations has swung in favor of decentralization. There is a convergence towards decentralized models of governance. This book investigates whether such convergence is taking place by examining several countries in the Asia-Pacific. The results of the survey reveal a complex picture in which divergence is still evident in the region's patterns of central-local relations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333732830
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date:	08/26/1999
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Mark Turner is Professor in the School of Administrative Studies at the University of Canberra.

Table of Contents

Central-Local Relations: Themes and Issues--Mark Turner
Decentralization in Bangladesh: Promises, Performances, and Politics--David Hulme & Noore Alam Siddiquee
Beyond Integration? The Need to Decentralize Central-Regional/Local Relations in Indonesia--Rolf Gerritsen & Saut Situmorang
Central-Local Relations in Thailand: Bureaucratic Centralism and Democratization--Wathana Wongsekiarttirat
Philippines: From Centralism to Localism--Mark Turner
Decentralization in Papua New Guinea: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back--R.J. May
Scale and Governance in the South Pacific--Peter Larmour
Rethinking the Philosophy of Central-Local Relations in Post-Central-Planning Vietnam--Thaveeporn Vasavakul
Central-Local Relations in the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Historic Overview, Current Situation and Trends--Patrick Keuleers & Langsy Sibounheuany
Conclusion: Learning from the Case-Studies--Mark Turner

Editorial Reviews

Contains ten contributions examining the degree to which decentralized models of governance are currently in place in the countries of the Asia Pacific. An introductory chapter surveys current thinking and trends in central-local relations. Subsequent chapters offer case studies of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the island states of the South Pacific, Vietnam, and Laos. Most of the contributors are Australian university-affiliated professors of government, development studies, and related fields. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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