This book critically engages with the idea of decentralization as empowering cities and their residents to act innovatively and creatively. The contributions thus highlight how the term lsquo;empowermentrsquo; in the context of decentralization regimes masks a competing array of intentions and agendas. Who and what are lsquo;empoweredrsquo;; given a lsquo;voicersquo; and allowed to lsquo;participatersquo; via the processes and structures of decentralization (and to what ends) are too frequently assumed in normative conversations about lsquo;bringing government closer to the peoplersquo; and lsquo;community driven developmentrsquo;. Creating an illusion of a shared language and common set of priorities therefore obscures more complex realities; particularly when there is a disconnect between the official goals of decentralization and civil society aspirations that reinforces politics of exclusion at the grassroots. Equally; official processes of decentralization can; and often are; accompanied by less visible processes of lsquo;recentralizationrsquo; through the reassertion of central state control over putatively autonomous jurisdictions. Through studies in six Asian countries (India; the Philippines; Indonesia; Bangladesh; Thailand and Japan) the essays in this book examine cases whereby a range of urban actors and institutions have been lsquo;empoweredrsquo; via decentralization; and how this realignment of local power relations impacts upon the dynamics of urban governance; albeit not always in socially progressive ways.This book was published as a special issue of Space and Polity.
#462905 in eBooks 2016-03-29 2016-03-29File Name: B01CYV260E
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A book to study and use as part of your spiritual practice.By M. CorcoranThis was sensitively and beautifully done by someone who clearly is deeply connected with his religion. I find re-reading it a number of times is helpful to assimilate the material and make it your own. In one place he does discuss how an "educated Tibetan" would understand more of each symbol. and I wish he had done more of that kind of "extensive explanation." I would have liked to see more of linking the symbols with the literature and art to help Tibetan art come "more alive." I dont know if anything like that exists.I would most certainly recommend this book. I read it daily as part of my spiritual practice/ study. As a Catholic. I also try to link the symbols with my own religion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An easy read! Very well organizedBy WariatQuick. well organized and easy to digest and remember. Great for beginners!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Sacredfulfilling book for everyone
