Reimagining Federalism: Multilevel Governance Perspectives from the Global South

This panel, Reimagining Federalism: Multilevel Governance Perspectives from the Global South, examines the transformative changes in federalism and multilevel governance from the perspective of the Global South. This panel aligns with RC28's dedication to enhancing comparative research on federalism, intra-state regionalism, decentralization, and multilevel governance by examining the distinct trajectories of federalism in Global South contexts, where varied territorial, ethnic, cultural, and political demands uniquely influence governance systems.

This session analyzes empirical and theoretical insights regarding how federal systems in the Global South manage the requirements of territorial power-sharing, encompassing the intricate intergovernmental, administrative, and fiscal relationships that affect policy-making and political conduct at various governmental levels. The panel highlights how federal, quasi-federal, and non-federal regimes manage decentralization across subnational and transnational political boundaries.

Key concerns encompass the dynamics of multilevel political behavior, intergovernmental relations, and the management of territorially-based ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity—issues frequently characterized by unique socio-economic and historical circumstances in Global South countries. The panel aims to elucidate how budgetary structures, administrative power distributions, and governance changes foster political resilience and policy creativity at various levels. This approach expands conventional interpretations of federalism by recognizing the significance of subnational and supranational entities as essential governance arenas beyond state-centric viewpoints.

Reimagining Federalism provides a comparative analysis of multilevel government while addressing normative issues related to decentralization, autonomy, and inclusivity in the political context of the Global South. This session serves as a crucial forum for scholars and practitioners to examine the developing theoretical, conceptual, and empirical aspects of federalism, highlighting the Global South as a significant region for the progression of federal studies within IPSA's RC28 framework. The panel seeks to enhance comparative federalism studies, providing insights relevant to both conventional federal systems and new governance models globally.