Impediments to Effective Decentralization in Azerbaijan: The Problem of Competencies and Resources in Local Self-Government

This study explores the role of two institutional impediments, namely a lack of power and resources, which slow the development of Azerbaijan's local self-government. In spite of the fact that the last two Azerbaijani governments have accepted the rationale for and have taken steps towards democratic decentralization, local self-government has remained a weak component of the country's political and administrative system. The study argues that limited municipal powers, combined with a scant and unsustainable revenue stream, are one of, if not the most important, barrier to the institutionalization of Azerbaijan's local self-government. The study employs a descriptive mixed methods case research method to analyze the current state of municipal powers and finances. The end of the paper briefly discusses the changing structure of incentives, which may compel the government to reexamine its previously passive approach towards the problems and suggests a number of areas from which improvements should begin.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Yusifli, Elvin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lew Irwin
• Kent Moors

• Azerbaijan
• Public policy
• Local government
• Decentralization

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/1397

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-2413