Understanding decentralization in Asia: An overview of key issues and challenges

Outlines dimensions of decentralized systems that are fundamental in understanding how they work in particular circumstances and how to compare differences across countries. It deals with more 'technical' and/or normative aspects of decentralization. The third section presents key issues of particular practical importance for the design of Asian decentralization programmes, laying out four interrelated themes. These emerge from the previous 'framework' section and the findings of the country case studies prepared for the workshop. The fourth section briefly considers how to think about the implementation of decentralization programmes in countries where capacity is weak and fundamental changes in behaviour are required if decentralization is to be effective. Finally, there is a brief concluding statement.