The Decentralization Delusion: Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development
Language: English
Published by Routledge, 2026
- Hardcover
- New

Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United KingdomRevaluation Books
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Condition: New
£ 265.87
Quantity: 2 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Seller Inventory # x-1041271646
- Title
- The Decentralization Delusion: Challenging the Underlying Assumptions of Development
- Author
- Dagher, Ruby/ Ofori-yentumi, Nana Afia Aku
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Publication year
- 2026
- Condition
- Brand New
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 1041271646
- ISBN 13
- 9781041271642
- Item weight
- 0.46 kilograms
The Decentralization Delusion challenges the narrative that decentralization leads to enhanced democratic practices and higher levels of economic and social development.
Instead, the book argues that decentralization theory tends to rely on assumptions which are idealistic and mostly inappropriate to non-Western contexts. Diving into over 50 case studies from around the globe, the book extensively assesses the intended and unintended outcomes of different types and levels of decentralization. By juxtaposing the ideals of decentralization against the challenges of real-world implementation, the book lays the foundations for understanding what the prerequisites for success are and what the shortfalls can be. Ultimately, the book argues that we need types and forms of decentralization that are created from the bottom up and are embedded in the local culture, history, experiences, and desires, rather than in idealistic and inapplicable assumptions, beliefs, and theories.
This book’s broad-ranging analysis and compelling arguments will be of interest to students, researchers, and practitioners of development, politics, conflict, public administration, and public policy.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Ruby Dagher is Assistant Professor at the School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Consultant in the field of international development; and Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).
Nana Afia Aku Ofori-Yentumi is a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She is a Co-founder of the think tank ADEV (Analyzing Development).
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Revaluation Books
Exeter, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 14 business days | 2 to 3 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 10.00 | £ 25.00 |
Payment methods
Seller's business information
Edward Bowditch Ltd
Exstowe, Exton
Exeter, United Kingdom EX3 0PP
Terms of sale
Legal entity name: Edward Bowditch Ltd
Legal entity form: Limited company
Business correspondence address: Exstowe, Exton, Exeter, EX3 0PP
Company registration number: 04916632
VAT registration: GB834241546
Authorised representative: Mr. E. Bowditch
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Revaluation Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
Orders usually dispatched within two working days.