In this insightful book, Arthur Benz introduces a novel analytical approach to comparative research on multilevel governance. Confronting the intricate problems of coordinating local, regional, national and international policies in the face of political polarisation, he makes the case for pragmatic, sustainable and resilient multilevel governance.
Rethinking Multilevel Governance encompasses a range of theoretical perspectives on multilevel governance to analyze the dispersion of authorities and inter-jurisdictional coordination of policies across levels. The book proposes a revised conceptualization that is more adaptable in the light of institutional variety, recent crises and political changes. Chapters explore the consequences of economic disparities and societal diversity on organising this complex system of governance. Ultimately, Benz reconsiders power dynamics in multilevel policymaking and discusses how policies can be legitimized in multilevel governance.
Significantly advancing the discussion on power and legitimacy in multilevel politics, the book is a crucial read for students and scholars of public policy, politics, regulation and governance. It is also beneficial to civil servants working on issues such as climate change, international conflict and digitalization.
Industry Reviews
'This timely book provides a much-needed study for understanding multilevel governance in an era of increasing disparities, growing political polarisation, and ubiquitous power struggles. An important book which contributes to our understanding of contemporary politics, policy and administration.' -- Edoardo Ongaro, The Open University, UK
'In Rethinking Multilevel Governance, Arthur Benz presents a sober, level-headed, and deeply considered assessment of the challenges facing multilevel governance and the ways in which it can be made adaptable, sustainable, and resilient. The result is a comprehensive and timely analysis of a widely used concept.' -- Gary Marks, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US and European University Institute, Italy
'Highly recommended reading for all students of multilevel governance!' -- Gerda Falkner, University of Vienna, Austria
'This is the best guide to the intricacies and ambiguities of multilevel governance: it succeeds the intellectual tour de force of being up to date, concise, and comprehensive. Arthur Benz addresses all major tensions and challenges related to "multilevelness": power fragmentation combined with interdependencies and trade-offs associated with the need for coordination; shared responsibility in negotiated rule-making; problems caused both by distributive conflicts and by identity divides; policy-making in a context of multiple crises, polarization, populism, and turbulent politics; formal and informal power asymmetries; and ultimately the legitimacy of dispersed authority so that complex governance that is effective, resilient and learning-enhancing remains compatible with democracy.' -- Yannis Papadopoulos, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
