Devolution
What is Devolution?
 Devolution is the movement of power from
the central government to a regional gov’t.
 Example: Northern Ireland was given its own
Parliament from Great Britain in 2002.
 Devolution can eventually lead to civil war
or splitting of a country.
 Devolution occurs because of centrifugal
forces: events and issues that divide.
Question?
 Which type of government probably
leads to devolution more: unitary or
federal? Why?
What are ethnocultural
devolutionary movements?
 Nations or ethnic groups that
consider themselves separate from
rest of country can cause devolution.
 The Former Yugoslavia broke apart in
1990s along ethnic and religious lines.
 Religion, language, ethnicity can all
be centrifugal forces
What are economic devolutionary
forces?
 The area feels neglected economically
from rest of state.
 Examples: Island of Sardinia in Italy
 The area is economically successful
and feels held back by rest of state.
 Examples: Republic of Pampas in
southern Brazil.
 Economic frustration is a centrifugal
force.
How does spatial interaction affect
devolution?
 Most devolutionary movements occur
on the edges of the state: the coast,
along the border, far from capital.
 Many devolutionary movements occur
on islands, separate from state.
 Ex: Hawaii
Summary
 What are other examples of either
ethnocultural devolution or economic
devolution that you can think of?