Understanding Devolution

Devolution

The movement of power from the central government to a regional government.

Example of Devolution

Northern Ireland was given its own Parliament from Great Britain in 2002.

Consequences of Devolution

Devolution can sometimes lead to civil war or splitting of a country.

Centrifugal Forces

Events and issues that divide a region or state.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that unite a state.

Ethnocultural Devolutionary Movements

Movements by nations or ethnic groups that see themselves as separate from the rest of the country. (Yugoslavia)

Former Yugoslavia

Broke apart in the 1990s along ethnic and religious lines.

Economic Devolutionary Forces

Areas that feel neglected economically from the rest of the state. (Island of Sardinia, Italy)

Example of Economic Devolution

Island of Sardinia in Italy feeling neglected

Spatial Interaction

Occur on the edges of the state, such as the coast, borders, or far from the capital.

Example of Devolution on an Island

Hawaii (Spatial Interaction)

Least to most likely lead to devolution

Unitary → Confederal → Federal

The area is economically successful and feels held back by the rest of state

Republic of Pampas in Southern Brazil

What is economic frustration? (which force)

Centrifugal force

Other examples of ethnocultural devolution and economic devolution

Quebec in Canada and Catalonia in Spain