Synopses & Reviews
This book explores conflict between national and subnational politicians over the formulation of economic policy.
Review
"...a groundbreaking theoretical framework in Chapters 1 and 2...The combination of methodologies and the shifting in levels of analysis (from macro to micro comparisons) is used very effectively to test different parts of the main argument. The research design, in this regard, is ingenious and exemplary...Federalism and the Market is bound to leave a lasting imprint." - Perspectives on Politics, Waltraud Queiser Morales, University of Central Florida
About the Author
Erik Wibbels is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Washington. His research interests include market transitions, particularly in Latin America, and the political economy of federalism. His recent work has appeared in American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, International Organization, World Politics, Comparative Political Studies, and Studies in Comparative International Development. He is currently working on two book projects - one on the comparative historical foundations of federal constitutions and the other on the relationship between the global economy and redistributive politics in the developing world.
Table of Contents
1. Intergovernmental bargaining and economic policy in federations; 2. From market-preserving to market-distorting federalism: divergent incentives and economic reform in developing nations; 3. Federalism and the decentralized politics of macroeconomic policy and performance; 4. Testing the argument - macroeconomic reform beyond the federal-unitary distinction; 5. Partisan harmony, vertical accountability, and market transitions - the case of Argentina; 6. Regional competition, fiscal dependence and subnational incentives in the Argentine provinces; 7. The view from below - the politics of public sector reform in three Argentine provinces; 8. Conclusion - comparative federalism, market reform, and future research; References.