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The Decentralization Delusion: Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development book cover

1st Edition

The Decentralization Delusion Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development

By Ruby Dagher, Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi Copyright 2026
204 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

204 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

204 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
The Decentralization Delusion challenges the narrative that decentralization leads to enhanced democratic practices and higher levels of economic and social development. Instead, the book argues that decentralization theory tends to rely on assumptions which are idealistic and mostly inappropriate to non-Western contexts. Diving into over 50 case studies from around the globe, the book... Read more

1: Decentralization: An Introduction to the Underlying Delusion  

PART I: THE THEORIES AND ASSUMPTIONS  

2: Understanding the Connection Between the Theoretical Foundations of Decentralization and Democratic Dividends  

3: Bridging Theory, Decentralization, Peace, and Conflict Prevention  

PART II: WHAT THE EVIDENCE TELLS US  

4: What the Evidence Reveals: The Decentralization–Democracy Interplay  

5: The Intersection Between Decentralization and Conflict: Uncovering the Evidence  

6: Missing the Point: The Complexity of the Interplay between Decentralization and Legitimacy  

PART III: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?  

7: Decentralization: What Now and Where Do We Go from Here?

Biography

Ruby Dagher is Assistant Professor at the School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Consultant in the field of international development; and Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).

Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi is a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She is a Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).

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