Beyond Centralization vs. Decentralization: Examining Autonomy in Interdependent Austria

KONEČNÝ, Petr. Beyond Centralization vs. Decentralization: Examining Autonomy in Interdependent Austria. In Canadian Political Science Association Annual Conference 2024. 2024.

Basic information

• Original name: Beyond Centralization vs. Decentralization: Examining Autonomy in Interdependent Austria
• Authors: KONEČNÝ, Petr.
• Edition: Canadian Political Science Association Annual Conference 2024, 2024.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Tags: Komparativní federalismus, Regionální politika
• Tags: International impact

Abstract

Recent multiple crises brought new dynamics to the debate on federalism. There is pressure on the autonomy of subnational decision-making in various areas of governance, including fiscal, security and environmental. Following the debate on the sources of interdependence, based on the distinction of centralization–decentralization and autonomy–interdependence dimensions, this paper examines the relationship between institutional restraints, the rise of niche parties and autonomy of decision-making. It focuses on Austria, arguably the most interdependent and centralized federation. Two recent conflictual policies on the state level were selected as significant cases: transport emissions policy in Salzburg 2013–2022, with the Greens pushing for strict road traffic regulation, and security policy in Carinthia 2008–2013, where post-Haider right-wing populists sought to reduce immigration-related criminality. As a method, the two decision-making processes were qualitatively examined via analysis of related legal, official and political documents. Attention was paid to the relationships among regional political actors and between the federal and state levels. The preliminary results show that conflictual politics does not lead to greater regional autonomy if institutional and procedural sources of interdependence dominate. On the contrary, by inferencing the empirical evidence, more autonomous decision-making cannot be expected in any area of governance – regardless of the climate, economic or security crisis – unless the sources of autonomy prevail. Furthermore, the results support the theory associating autonomy and regionalism, applicable at least in highly interdependent systems.