New Publication by Maria Cadaval on Asymmetric Decentralization at IDEAGOV

Professor María Cadaval Sampedro, a researcher at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and member of IDEAGOV, has co-authored a new working paper within the IDEAGOV Working Paper Series.

The paper, titled “Asymmetric Decentralization: Nature and Determinants,” is co-written with Santiago Lago-Peñas, Jorge Martínez-Vázquez, and Ana Herrero-Alcalde, and provides a systematic empirical analysis of the nature and determinants of asymmetric decentralization.

Using data from the Regional Authority Index (RAI), the study shows that factors such as geographical distance from the capital and linguistic identity are associated with higher levels of regional autonomy. In addition, variables such as ethnic fragmentation, population size, and territorial characteristics play a key role in shaping asymmetry at the national level.

The work also highlights the importance of democratic transitions as a catalyst, capable of activating latent structural conditions and fostering increases in territorial asymmetry.

With this contribution, María Cadaval further strengthens her research agenda on decentralization and multilevel governance, consolidating her involvement in international networks focused on economic and institutional analysis.

Working Paper: Asymmetric Decentralization: Nature and Determinants