Centralization and Decentralization

Decentralization, by definition, entails a reduction in central power. But it does not necessarily mean that the provinces will exercise devolved powers in a manner that conflicts with central priorities. Nor does it necessarily mean that the centre cannot return to centralized control when it sees fit. In order to understand how decentralization measures influenced centre-province relations in the 1980s, it is essential to recognize the inherent tensions involved in governing a massive and diverse nation state, and to investigate the relationship between two different types of decentralization – administrative decentralization and market decentralization. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.