ABSTRACT
The purpose of this book is to study problem-solving in federal systems, and to compare the political performance of federal and non-federal states, and of different types of federations, Political scientists may find this topic of interest, given the comparative aspect, and a general readership may also care to learn more about the political potential of federalism, a form of state organization that still represents a minority-19 of the 193 sovereign states of the world-but that already rules over more than a third of the world population.1 Finally, the theme of the book may attract the attention of those who are concerned with the potential gains and drawbacks of the territorial organization of governance, whether in theoretical or empirical analysis, political consulting, or political decision-making. In a world marked by continuing economic and political integration, which at the same time generates resistance in many people who fear losing their livelihood or their identity, it is imperative to inquire more systematically into the potential effects of the territorial division of power on peace, freedom, democracy, economic wealth and social security.
