This book explores the development of subnational government in small states, using Iceland as a model and comparing it with small states of similar population size as well as those with larger populations. The book examines subnational government from the perspective of small state theory, providing a comprehensive overview of the basic data on subnational government for all small states with between 100,000 and 1 million inhabitants. It presents Iceland as a model for decentralization in small states, providing detailed information on the country's organization at the subnational level, and highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of decentralizing tasks from central to subnational government. Demonstrating the difference population size makes when it comes to successfully decentralizing tasks to subnational governments, this book is intended for scholars, students and practitioners alike.

Examines subnational government from the perspective of small state theory Presents Iceland as a model state for decentralization in small states Demonstrates the difference population size makes when it comes to successfully decentralizing tasks to subnational governments

Autorentext

Eva Marín Hlynsdóttir is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Iceland. She teaches courses in Public Administration and Political Science and has researched political and organizational leadership, local governance and public administration. Her latest publication is Gender in Organization: The Icelandic Female Council Manager.

Inhalt
Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Conceptualising key concepts.- Chapter 3: Decentralisation to subnational governments in small states.- Chapter 4: The Nordic local government model: The Icelandic way.- Chapter 5: Urbanisation in a small state: The case of Iceland.- Chapter 6: The choice between efficiency and tradition.- Chapter 7: The future of subnational government in small states. <p