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Tomas Bergström

Tomas Bergström

Affiliated

Tomas Bergström

The Future of Local Democracy : A Somewhat Dystopian View

Author

  • Tomas Bergström

Summary, in English

Tomas Bergström discusses, with examples mainly from Sweden, the future of party-based local democracy. Could local democratic systems change as conditions change and remain vigorous? Long-term trends present a rather dystopian picture that seems to result in reduced discretion and depoliticisation. Changes that has taken place like globalisation, marketisation, the impact of social media and new roles for courts challenge local politicians’ chances of governing local matters. Decisions are taken at other levels, by other actors than elected politicians or in complex networks involving a number of partners and stakeholders. Historically local governments have been able to adjust to new conditions. Whether this is the case also now remains to be seen.

Department/s

  • Department of Political Science

Publishing year

2021

Language

English

Pages

17-30

Publication/Series

Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Palgrave Macmillan

Topic

  • Public Administration Studies

Keywords

  • Depoliticisation
  • Dystopia
  • Local democracy
  • Reduced discretion

Status

Published