Representation, Citizenship and the Public Domain in Democratic Decentralization

Jesse C. Ribot analyzes how ‘democratic’ decentralization reforms in most developing countries, rather than empowering representative elected local government, have often resulted in a transfer of power to a wide range of local institutions, including private bodies, customary authorities and non-governmental organizations. This essay explores the logic behind choosing these institutions and the effects of recognizing these institutions on three dimensions of democracy: representation, citizenship and the public domain. Development (2007) 50, 43–49. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1100335