Case Studies

Jul

2026

Decentralisation in Post-war Syria: Perspectives from Youth ِActive in Civil Society

Abstract

Decentralisation in post-war contexts requires designs tailored to local realities and governance challenges. Including civil society and youth voices has proven to strengthen both the process and outcomes. This paper analyses perspectives collected from 28 Syrian youths active in civil society organisations in North Syria shortly before the fall of the Assad regime in 2024, examining their views, concerns, and proposed framework for decentralisation in post-war Syria. Findings show that participants largely view decentralisation as beneficial for a future democratic Syria but question its feasibility under current political and social conditions. They also outline a framework for advancing decentralisation that emphasizes the importance of a political solution and empowered civil society.

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Jun

2026

Who Governs Education? Multi-level Governance and the Politics of Coordination in India and Germany

Abstract

This article conducts a comparative case study of Germany and India to examine how education is governed within their federal systems. Based on the multi-level governance theory, it examines the role of institutional design in determining the relative autonomy of subnational and national coordination. Germany is an example of a decentralised country in which coordination is achieved through negotiated and consensus-based mechanisms and fiscal incentives. India, in turn, presents a path of concurrency, driven by the growth of regulations and the setting of standards. The article demonstrates that federalism in education operates through different coordination channels and depicts that the forces of globalisation reform these processes, creating a persistent flux between local autonomy and federal authority, thereby adding a new dimension to the concept of educational federalism.

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May

2026

De-federalization, Re-centralisation and Re-authoritarianisation in Russia: Federalism as a Safeguard for Post-Authoritarian Democracy

Abstract

Russia’s contemporary political trajectory is characterised by the consolidation of an authoritarian regime and a persistent concentration of power, reinforced through successive crises, including the ongoing war against Ukraine. These developments have been accompanied by large-scale human losses, widespread political repression, and the systematic weakening of constitutional safeguards, resulting in highly centralised governance structures. Against this background, urgent questions arise about how state institutions should be designed in the aftermath of authoritarian rule, particularly in balancing the risks of excessive centralisation and destabilising fragmentation. This contribution approaches federalism not as a static institutional arrangement, but as a dynamic process interacting with broader patterns of (de-)centralisation and (de-)democratisation. It seeks to develop a conceptual and methodological framework for analysing these processes across major historical periods of Russian state development, complemented by a comparative dimension. Rather than presenting a fully developed framework or definitive findings, the study identifies key conceptual questions and analytical directions that guide an ongoing doctoral research agenda. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to understanding how federal arrangements can support democratic resilience in post-authoritarian contexts.

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Feb

2026

Transitioning from Fragility to Resilience: Practical Lessons for Somalia’s Federal Institutions

Abstract

Post-conflict societies face the challenge of rebuilding institutions and restoring public trust in contexts defined by overlapping risks that overwhelm state capacity. This article draws on the Puntland experience in Somalia to show how fragile institutions can transition toward resilience. Reforms in environmental governance and electoral management demonstrate the effectiveness of six interlinked pillars: legal foundations, systems development, merit-based recruitment, resource mobilization, inclusivity, and adaptive management. These measures enabled Puntland to pioneer environmental policies and conduct the first direct local elections in 50 years. The case highlights that resilience in fragile federal contexts depends less on imported models and more on sequenced reforms, institutional credibility, and locally owned processes. Lessons from Puntland provide practical strategies for Somalia’s federal project and other post-conflict states.

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Oct

2025

The Discrimination of the “Others” in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The Dayton Peace Agreement ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina by introducing a complex power-sharing system between Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. However, the representation of micro-minorities, known as the “Others,” was ignored. This paper outlines both de jure discrimination of the Others in the Presidency and the House of Peoples, as well as the less frequently discussed de facto discrimination of the Others in entity institutions reserved for their representation. Utilizing comparative lessons, this paper offers two possible models to resolve the current discrimination of the Others: directly electing micro-minority representatives or streamlining federal features while abolishing ethnic quotas.

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Sep

2025

Trump Tramples American Federalism

Abstract

President Donald Trump threatens American federalism because he sees himself as a popular and powerful populist leader presiding over the unitary executive of a unitary nation. He regards the states as agents of the federal government; therefore, he intervenes, including militarily, in all facets of state and local affairs. He is making unprecedented uses of federal-aid funds to coerce state and local governments into complying with his policies. Federal district and appellate courts have been the principal check on Trump, and he has lost most of the lawsuits filed against his actions. However, 40 months remain in his Administration.

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May

2025

Assessing Decentralization in Egypt – Oscillations between centralisation and hopes for reform

Abstract

Egypt is known as a state defined by its highly centralised model of governance. This paper explores the role of decentralization within this framework, examining both historical and contemporary approaches to power-sharing. The paper highlights certain examples, such as the United Arab Republic, a brief period of integration with Syria whose failure deepened suspicions about decentralisation. However, the government’s resistance to any substantial power-sharing led to growing citizen discontent over time, culminating in the 2011 uprising. Actors in the revolution emphasised the need for reform and decentralisation, reigniting the debate on the implementation of decentralized structures. This study examines specific factors that have hindered these changes. In the final section, the paper identifies necessary reforms within the state, drawing on examples from scholars in the field. While decentralization is not presented as a panacea, its principles offer valuable insights that could help mitigate Egypt’s evolving political landscape.

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Mar

2025

Unlocking the Cyprus Peace Process: Backstops could be an option

Abstract

Backstops could be best defined as a form of safeguard or contingency plan, that aim to guarantee a certain positive outcome regardless of the outcome of a negotiation. In Cyprus and peace negotiations across conflict zones, a “backstop” could refer to a fallback arrangement that will kick in if parties fail to reach a comprehensive settlement. While we do not necessarily advocate for any specific backstop, in this article we aim to present the wider architecture and process design, examples from around the world as well as a feasible range of alternatives for Cyprus.

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Feb

2025

Federalism and Ethnic Accommodation in Ethiopia: A Promised Solution or a Persistent Dilemma?

Abstract

Ethiopia adopted multinational federalism in 1995 to accommodate its diverse ethnic groups, granting them self-determination rights, including secession. While this system has enhanced linguistic and cultural recognition, and improved ethnic representation and self-rule, it has also inadvertently deepened ethnic divisions, contributing to recurrent conflicts and instability. The federal framework, intended as a solution to historical marginalization, appears to have reinforced inter-ethnic competition. This article examines Ethiopia’s federalism, its achievements, shortcomings, and ongoing challenges, arguing that meaningful reforms, such as electoral reform, institutional strengthening, and genuine conflict resolution mechanisms, are crucial to achieving a more stable and inclusive political order.

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Oct

2024

Islam, Somali Culture and Federalism: An Integrated Perspective

Abstract

Islam plays a central role in Somali society, influencing social norms, legal frameworks, and political systems. The Islamic legal system (Sharia) and traditional Somali customary law (Xeer) operate alongside formal state-backed courts, prioritizing community consensus and moral obligations. The Somali Provisional Constitution incorporates Islamic principles, designating Islam as the state religion and Sharia as the supreme law. Federalism, introduced in 2004, aligns with Islamic teachings on justice, consultation, and communal welfare. This governance model accommodates the intricate clan structures and local customs, promoting inclusivity and enhancing local governance. However, successful implementation of federalism in Somalia requires balancing traditional clan governance with modern federal structures, ensuring inclusivity, and integrating the needs of pastoral communities. Tailoring federalism to Somali cultural and social nuances fosters social cohesion, community empowerment, and national development.

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