Overview

Ethnic inequalities in divided societies can exacerbate social divisions and lead to conflict. Reducing these inequalities could have a de-escalating effect, yet there is little consensus on how this can be achieved most effectively and sustainably. Decentralisation is held to improve inter-ethnic relations in multi-ethnic states by allowing territorially concentrated groups greater autonomy over their own affairs, and the case of the Republic of Macedonia offers an example of the successes and failings of decentralisation. Decentralisation and the Management of Ethnic Conflict offers new insight into the dynamics of conflict management through decentralisation, using an in-depth case study of decentralisation in the Republic of Macedonia between 2005 and 2012. Guided by the concept of horizontal inequalities, the volume identifies the factors which influenced the decision to devolve responsibilities to the municipalities after 2001.Taking an integrative approach to studying the political, administrative, and fiscal dimensions of decentralisation and its implementation, the book investigates whether these institutional reforms have indeed contributed to the reduction of inequalities between Macedonia’s ethnic groups, and what the obstacles were in those areas in which decentralisation has not reached its full potential. The key lesson of the Macedonian case is that attempts to solve internal self-determination conflicts through decentralisation will fail if local self-governance exists only in form but not in substance. This book contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges facing different forms of decentralisation in the long term, and as such represents a significant contribution to Conflict Studies, Development Studies and Political Science more generally.

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9781138944114

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Reviews

Aisling Lyon's tour de force critically engages with the assumption that a redistribution of state responsibilities enhances democracy and social harmony. Her vital contribution to debates about decentralisation sets the experiments in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia within the wider context of global trends of fragmentation. Does decentralisation help to pacify societies, leave them to fend for themselves or merely grant them cosmetic authority? This is a book to be savoured as much for its compass as its attention to detail. Michael Pugh, Emeritus Professor, University of Bradford, UK & Visiting Professor, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands Exploring the dynamics and impact of decentralisation on inter-ethnic relations in post-Yugoslav Macedonia, Lyon engages thoroughly with existing theories of conflict management, territorial state construction, and decentralisation and offers a wealth of original empirical analysis. This exceptionally timely contribution to our existing knowledge and understanding provides highly relevant policy recommendations and should be required reading for all serious students and analysts of ethnic conflict in the Western Balkans and beyond. Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham, UK This important study not only contributes to our understanding of contemporary Macedonia, but also makes an important argument about the importance of decentralisation as a tool of conflict management. Macedonia is the prime case study of international mediators seeking to address interethnic relations through decentralisation and local-level power-sharing. Aisling Lyon provides a very well-researched, nuanced assessment of whether decentralisation has delivered. The weaknesses of the Macedonian experience provide useful guidance for policy makers in addressing interethnic conflict elsewhere. Florian Biebe

Aisling Lyon's tour de force critically engages with the assumption that a redistribution of state responsibilities enhances democracy and social harmony. Her vital contribution to debates about decentralisation sets the experiments in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia within the wider context of global trends of fragmentation. Does decentralisation help to pacify societies, leave them to fend for themselves or merely grant them cosmetic authority? This is a book to be savoured as much for its compass as its attention to detail. Michael Pugh, Emeritus Professor, University of Bradford, UK & Visiting Professor, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands

Author Information

Aisling Lyon obtained her PhD from the Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, and has worked internationally on a number of local government capacity-building projects. Her research interests include institutional design in multi-ethnic states and the political systems of South-East Europe and Turkey.

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