Rethinking Multilevel Governance

In this insightful book, Arthur Benz introduces a novel analytical approach to comparative research on multilevel governance. Confronting the intricate problems of coordinating local, regional, national and international policies in the face of political polarisation, he makes the case for pragmatic, sustainable and resilient multilevel governance.

Rethinking Multilevel Governance encompasses a range of theoretical perspectives on multilevel governance to analyze the dispersion of authorities and inter-jurisdictional coordination of policies across levels. The book proposes a revised conceptualization that is more adaptable in the light of institutional variety, recent crises and political changes. Chapters explore the consequences of economic disparities and societal diversity on organising this complex system of governance. Ultimately, Benz reconsiders power dynamics in multilevel policymaking and discusses how policies can be legitimized in multilevel governance.

Significantly advancing the discussion on power and legitimacy in multilevel politics, the book is a crucial read for students and scholars of public policy, politics, regulation and governance. It is also beneficial to civil servants working on issues such as climate change, international conflict and digitalization.