Theses *

Decentralized policy and administration are beneficial in transition processes!

1. In our opinion decentralization means constitutional extent of regional or local autonomy. Therefore decentralization is neither to be equated with federal structures in principle nor necessarily with the German cooperative federalism (Verbundföderalismus). This means that different models of decentralization are possible! Even in centralist states like France or Great Britain decentralized structures have been developed.
2. Generally, decentralized political organization is considered to be advantageous. Numerous studies prove that they optimize public service and enlarge democratic participation. Decentralized decision making structures are thus important drivers in democratization processes. For this reason it is essential to democratize subordinated levels and adequately provide them with autonomous capabilities. The transformation of East Germany was considerably promoted and assured by democratic realignment as well as through the recovered autonomy of local policy making and administration
3. In the course of the institution transfer, the West-German model of “strong local government” was transferred to the East-German local authorities. Flexible adaptation strategies and innovative practices were, however, developed. These modifications increased the acceptance of the new institutional order and replaced the West-German original model with their direct-democratic orientation.
4. 4. Inspired by this, direct-democratic elements were included in the local constitutions of the West-German federal states and local self-government in Germany was standardized. Such adaptations, where reforms in turn affect the original institutions as well, are called “dual transformation”.

   For an intended Korean reunification the following conclusion can be drawn based on our results:

5. A Korean reunification neither implies the adoption of German federalism nor the general implementation of federal structures. A necessary requirement for the reunification is a democratization of North Korea, which can be legitimized and assured through the implementation of decentralist decision-making-structures due to the fact that decentralist structures generally increase the acceptance and efficiency of transformation processes.
6. Based on the “dual transformation” in Germany it can be expected that an institution transfer from South to North Korea would also lead to flexible and innovative adaptations and modifications of the institution realignment in North Korea. These, in turn, will affect South Korea and could offer stimuli in the recent administration reforms in the Republic of Korea.

Genesis of the results of the Collaborative Research Center 580 *

The theses mentioned above are related to the following research projects of the Sonderforschungsbereiches 580: