What is Devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to a lower level of government, such as a regional or local government. Devolution is often used as a way to decentralize decision-making and to give more autonomy to lower levels of government.

Devolution can take many forms, and the specific powers and responsibilities that are transferred can vary depending on the context. In some cases, devolution may involve the transfer of decision-making authority over certain policy areas, such as education or health care, from the central government to regional or local governments. In other cases, devolution may involve the transfer of fiscal powers, such as the ability to raise and spend revenue, or the power to legislate on certain issues.

Devolution is often seen as a way to address regional or local differences and to give more control to the people who are most affected by certain policies. It can also help to reduce the burden on the central government and allow it to focus on issues of national importance. However, devolution can also be a source of tension, as it can lead to differences in the policies and practices of different regions or localities. Review devolution with Dustin Fowler

What Affects Devolution?

There are many factors that can influence the process of devolution and the specific form that it takes. Some of the key factors that can shape the devolutionary process include:

1. Political context: The political context, including the balance of power between different levels of government and the broader political landscape, can have a significant impact on the devolutionary process. Factors such as the presence of strong regional or local political parties or movements, the level of support for devolution among the public, and the willingness of the central government to cede power can all shape the devolutionary process.

2. Economic factors: Economic considerations, such as the distribution of wealth and resources across different regions or localities, can also influence the devolutionary process. For example, regions or localities that are wealthier or have a strong economic base may be more likely to advocate for devolution, as they may see it as a way to further their economic interests.

3. Historical and cultural factors: The history and culture of a region or locality can also play a role in shaping the devolutionary process. Factors such as the presence of a distinct regional or local identity, the history of relations between different levels of government, and the extent to which regional or local traditions and practices are valued can all influence the devolutionary process.

4. Legal and constitutional frameworks: The legal and constitutional frameworks in place can also shape the devolutionary process. For example, countries that have federal systems of government may have more established mechanisms for devolution, while countries with unitary systems may need to adopt new laws or constitutional amendments to enable devolution.

5. International factors: International factors, such as the influence of international organizations or the presence of regional or international actors, can also shape the devolutionary process. For example, the European Union has played a role in encouraging devolution within its member states as a way to promote regional integration and cooperation.

Forces that Lead to Devolution

Physical geography can cause isolation due to natural features. The Kashmir area between India and Pakistan can feel isolated because it is separated by the Himalayan and Pir Panjal mountains. These areas have some local autonomy because the physical barriers make it difficult for a central government to rule. Other physical features that can lead to devolution include deserts and large bodies of water. 

Ethnic separatism occurs when minority groups fight for independence. In Spain, the Basques & Catalans are two such groups that have a unique culture/language and desire to be independent from Spain. The Spanish government has tried to placate these groups by giving them more freedoms and representation, but the will of the people to be independent from Spain is strong and these movements continue to protest for separation. The Netflix documentary Two Catalonias highlights this struggle.

Terrorism is organized violence, usually for a political goal. For example, Al Qaeda conducted attacks in the United States, eastern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula to seek power and push their ideology. Sometimes, ethnic separatists use terrorism to reach their goal of independence. The Basques in Spain have organized in part through a terrorist organization, the ETA, that has used violence to escalate the isssue.

Economic devolutionary forces can occur when regions seek control of natural resources. In Brazil, Amazonian tribes want more ownership of the resources in their area. Social issues due to different languages, cultures, or religions can lead to devolution. Belgium is distinctly divided into two distinct regions, the Flemish in the north and the Walloons in the south. This may eventually lead to Belgium splitting into two different countries. 

Irredentism, as previously mentioned, is annexation of other regions because of a shared culture or language. Armenians were concentrated in Azerbaijan when it was part of the Soviet Union; when it collapsed, Armenia wanted this region to be part of their country. It eventually did. 

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Fragmentation of States

Devolutionary forces can eventually lead to fragmentation of the state.

Autonomous Regions

An autonomous region is a region that has a high degree of self-governance and is able to make decisions on matters of local concern without interference from the central government. Autonomous regions are often established as a way to give more control to regional or local authorities and to allow for the recognition of regional or local differences.

There are many different types of autonomous regions, and the specific powers and responsibilities that are granted to them can vary depending on the context. In some cases, autonomous regions may have the power to legislate on certain issues, such as education or health care, or to raise and spend revenue. In other cases, autonomous regions may have more limited powers and may be responsible for implementing the policies of the central government within their respective regions.

Autonomous regions are often established in federal systems of government, where power is divided between the central government and regional or local authorities. However, they can also exist within unitary states, where they are granted a degree of self-governance by the central government.

Here are a few examples of autonomous regions:

1. Catalonia: Catalonia is an autonomous region in northeastern Spain with its own parliament, government, and language. Catalonia has a high degree of self-governance and is responsible for matters such as education, health care, and cultural affairs within its borders.

2. Tibet: Tibet is an autonomous region in China with a high degree of self-governance and a unique cultural and religious identity. Tibet is responsible for matters such as education, public health, and environmental protection within its borders.

3. Kurdistan: Kurdistan is an autonomous region in northern Iraq with its own parliament, government, and military. Kurdistan has a high degree of self-governance and is responsible for matters such as education, health care, and economic development within its borders.

4. Quebec: Quebec is an autonomous region in eastern Canada with its own parliament, government, and language. Quebec has a high degree of self-governance and is responsible for matters such as education, health care, and cultural affairs within its borders.

5. Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland is an autonomous region in the United Kingdom with its own devolved government and assembly. Northern Ireland has a high degree of self-governance and is responsible for matters such as education, health care, and economic development within its borders.

Sub-Nationalists

Sub-nationalists are individuals or groups who advocate for greater autonomy or self-determination for a particular region or locality within a country. Sub-nationalists may seek to establish or strengthen the powers of regional or local governments, or they may advocate for the creation of an autonomous region or even independence from the central government.

Sub-nationalism can be driven by a variety of factors, including cultural or linguistic differences, economic disparities, or a desire to protect regional or local traditions and practices. In some cases, sub-nationalism may be motivated by a sense of injustice or discrimination, or by a desire to have a greater say in the decisions that affect the region or locality.

Sub-nationalism can be a controversial issue, as it can lead to conflicts with the central government and may pose challenges to national unity. However, it can also be seen as a way to recognize and respect the diversity of a country and to give more control to the people who are most affected by certain policies.

Here are a few examples of sub-nationalist movements:

1. Catalan independence movement: The Catalan independence movement is a political movement in Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeastern Spain, that seeks independence from Spain. The movement is driven by a desire to protect Catalan culture and language, and to give the people of Catalonia more control over their own affairs.

2. Scottish independence movement: The Scottish independence movement is a political movement in Scotland that seeks independence from the United Kingdom. The movement is driven by a desire to protect Scottish culture and traditions, and to give the people of Scotland more control over their own affairs.

3. Quebec independence movement: The Quebec independence movement is a political movement in Quebec, an autonomous region in eastern Canada, that seeks independence from Canada. The movement is driven by a desire to protect the French language and culture of Quebec, and to give the people of Quebec more control over their own affairs.

4. Basque independence movement: The Basque independence movement is a political movement in the Basque region of Spain and France that seeks independence from Spain and France. The movement is driven by a desire to protect the Basque language and culture, and to give the people of the Basque region more control over their own affairs.

5. Flemish independence movement: The Flemish independence movement is a political movement in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, that seeks independence from Belgium. The movement is driven by a desire to protect Flemish culture and language, and to give the people of Flanders more control over their own affairs.

Balkanization

Balkanization refers to the process of dividing a region or country into smaller, often mutually hostile, units. The term is often used to describe situations where ethnic, linguistic, or cultural differences within a country lead to the fragmentation of the state into smaller units. The term is named after the Balkans, a region in southeastern Europe that has a long history of political instability and conflict.

Balkanization can be caused by a variety of factors, including ethnic or cultural tensions, the presence of strong regional or local identities, and the influence of external actors. It can also be fueled by political or economic issues, such as corruption or economic inequality, which can lead to a lack of trust in the central government and a desire for greater autonomy or independence.

Balkanization can have a number of negative consequences, including political instability, economic disruption, and conflict. It can also lead to the fragmentation of the state and the weakening of national identity. However, it can also be seen as a way to recognize and respect the diversity of a country and to give more control to regional or local authorities.

Here are a few examples of Balkanization:

1. Yugoslavia: The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s is often cited as an example of Balkanization. Yugoslavia was a multi-ethnic state that was composed of six republics and two autonomous provinces. Ethnic tensions between the different groups within Yugoslavia, as well as the influence of external actors, contributed to the breakup of the state and the creation of several independent countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.

2. Sudan: The breakup of Sudan in 2011 is another example of Balkanization. Sudan was a multi-ethnic state that was composed of several regions with distinct cultural and linguistic identities. Ethnic tensions and a lack of trust in the central government contributed to the breakup of the state, and South Sudan became an independent country.

3. Iraq: The ongoing conflict in Iraq, including the rise of the Islamic State, is often seen as a result of Balkanization. Iraq is a multi-ethnic state with a complex political landscape, and regional and ethnic tensions have contributed to the fragmentation of the state and the emergence of competing power centers.

4. Syria: The ongoing conflict in Syria is also often seen as a result of Balkanization. Syria is a multi-ethnic state with a complex political landscape, and regional and ethnic tensions have contributed to the fragmentation of the state and the emergence of competing power centers.

5. Ukraine: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea by Russia, is often seen as a result of Balkanization. Ukraine is a multi-ethnic state with a complex political landscape, and regional and ethnic tensions have contributed to the emergence of competing power centers.

Yugoslavia was ruled by Tito for many decades after WWII as a member of the non-aligned movement. It was a communist state, but was not aligned with the Soviets. After Tito died in 1980, there were years of uncertainty and unrest. The Yugoslav region includes several ethnicities including Serb, Bosniak, Croat, Albanian, and Macedonian - to name a few. There were also stark divisions between the religions of Christianity and Islam. 

All of these tensions and the power vacuum left by Tito opened the door for violence. In 1987, Slobodan Milošević came to power and ruled over almost a decade of ethnic violence that left thousands dead. By 1997, the Yugoslav region officially broke into several new states including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia.