Decentralization in Unitary States: Constitutional Frameworks for the Middle East and North Africa

This report explores the relationship between decentralization in unitary states and constitutional law, specifically with a view to determining what level of detail and what principles should be incorporated in a constitution to increase the likelihood that decentralization will move from theory to reality and that it will help to improve standards of living throughout the region. The report examines the definition of decentralization and its benefits, decentralization and internal boundaries, political decentralization, and issues of implementation.  The report studies existing frameworks within the Middle East and North Africa region, including some of the new constitutions that were drafted since the uprisings began in late 2010, as well as a large number of comparative examples from other jurisdictions, to determine what lessons exist for the broader region.