What role can decentralisation play in state-building? Lessons from Timor-Leste and Bougainville

Abstract

Decentralisation may play a role in building new and post-conflict states; where liberal state institutions are often built before a transition from local to state-level modes of political organisation has occurred. Decentralisation can provide space to recognise local sociopolitical institutions via a 'liberal-local hybrid', which may assist state-building. This article draws on case studies of Timor-Leste and Bougainville to argue that decentralisation to liberal-local hybrid institutions can play a positive role in state-building by enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of the state. This article concludes by identifying generalisable insights concerning how decentralisation to liberal-local hybrid institutions should be implemented during state-building.