The distribution of administrative power and decision-making authority away from a central government to regional, local, or specialized institutions. This process aims to increase efficiency, responsiveness, and democratic participation at lower levels of government.
From Latin 'de-' (away from) plus 'centrum' (center) with '-ization' suffix. The term gained prominence in 20th-century public administration theory as scholars studied optimal government organization.
Decentralization became a global trend after the Cold War as countries realized that distant bureaucrats often made poor decisions about local needs! From Brazil's municipal empowerment to Indonesia's regional autonomy, this shift has transformed governance worldwide, though it can also create corruption and inequality when local institutions lack capacity.
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