"A source of perennial tension in states is the degree to which decision-making power and authority should be concentrated in central institutions and individuals. At present the conventional wisdom of central-local relations has swung in favour of decentralization. There is, we are told, a convergence towards decentralized models of governance. This book investigates whether such convergence is taking place through detailed examination of country cases in Asia-Pacific."--BOOK JACKET.

"This book is for academics, students, public servants and aid workers concerned with public sector reform, governance and politics."--BOOK JACKET.