ABSTRACT
Decentralization is an important political process that holds the promise of enhancing any society's enjoyment of democracy and development. This article focuses on how its two principal types, devolution and deconcentration. have been manifested in Southeast Asia. Specifically, it discusses how colonialism and the later struggle against home-grown authoritarian regimes have put a stamp on the efforts of the countries of the region to close the gap between the rulers and the ruled.
