Comparing Intergovernmental Relations and Cooperative Mechanisms in Federal Systems: An Introduction

Abstract

This chapter is the introduction of Intergovernmental Relations in Federal Systems: Comparative Structures and Dynamics, a volume that identifies and compares mechanisms of intergovernmental relations (IGR) in thirteen federal systems from around the world. Although IGR are an integral and significant part of every federal system, they are often opaque. This comparative study – both descriptive and analytical – thus aims to identify and contrast IGR mechanisms in a systematic manner, as well as to assess their impact on federalism and outline the common trends and challenges they raise. The authors then comment on the methodology used throughout the study to facilitate transnational and transdisciplinary dialogue before outlining the structure of the volume.

Keywords: federalism, intergovernmental relations, comparative, law, politics