Subnational Government The French Experience [Hardcover]

With globalization and the EU, local and regional government in member states have experienced dramatic changes in their operation, responsibilities and organizations. Loughlin presents an overview of the theory and practice of subnational government in France and a detailed examination of the outcomes.Introduction: The International Context of French Subnational Government PART ONE: GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE FRENCH CASE Centralization and Decentralization in French History The 'Trente Glorieuses' (1945-1975) and their Aftermath The Decentralization Programme: An Overview (1982-2006) PART TWO: THE INSTITUTIONS OF FRENCH SUBNATIONAL GOVERNANCE The Municipality (Commune): Between Local Democracy and Effective Governance The 'Meso' Level: The Region vs. the D?partement PART THREE: THE INSTITUTIONS AT WORK The Politics of French Territorial Governance Administering Territorial Governance: The State Strikes Back? Paying For It All Conclusions

'Professor John Loughlin has written yet another very informative book in which he combines his insights into culture, religion and history with knowledge about contemporary political developments at national and sub-national levels. [...] accessible not only for the specialist but also for the new student of French territorial politics.' - Anders Lidstr?m, Professor of Political Science, Ume? University, Sweden

'The author convincingly presents the French experience of decentralisation as an example of major transformations all western welfare states have been subject to. This book can be highly recommended to those interested in French territorial politics and subnational government. However, it includes more than a country study. Readers interested in the development of the modern state and in comparative local government and politics will profit from it.' - Arthur Benz, Professor of Political Science, University of Hagen, Germany

'The book is a much needed contribution to the theoreticallÓ%