Federal systems have proven essential to the integration of many states. In an increasingly interdependent world, today’s problems are so global and complex in nature that they can be solved adequately only by means of international and regional cooperation and integration. Federalism, as a feature of political problem-solving, will likely become even more important in the future. Federalism emphasizes the principle of non-violence in political affairs, and it creates the opportunity to realize the so-called right of nations to self-determination below the level of national independence.

The findings submitted in Federalism and Decentralization: Perspectives for the Transformation Process in Eastern and Central Europe embrace descriptions and analyses of eight very different Western models of federalism (Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America), as well as descriptions of the development of federalist systems in eight countries in Central and East Europe (The Republic of Bashkortostan in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Georgia, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and the Former Yugoslavia). The various contributions identify the constitutional, legal, cultural, social, and economic preconditions for the successful implementation of federal state structures, particularly in Eastern and European states.

ISBN-13: 978-0312295899

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