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The Future of Local Democracy: A Somewhat Dystopian View

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The Future of Local Self-Government

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance ((PSSNG))

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Abstract

Tomas Bergström discusses, with examples mainly from Sweden, the future of party-based local democracy. Could local democratic systems change as conditions change and remain vigorous? Long-term trends present a rather dystopian picture that seems to result in reduced discretion and depoliticisation. Changes that has taken place like globalisation, marketisation, the impact of social media and new roles for courts challenge local politicians’ chances of governing local matters. Decisions are taken at other levels, by other actors than elected politicians or in complex networks involving a number of partners and stakeholders. Historically local governments have been able to adjust to new conditions. Whether this is the case also now remains to be seen.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lund University, Lund, Sweden

    Tomas Bergström

Authors
  1. Tomas Bergström
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Correspondence to Tomas Bergström .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Lund University, Lund, Sweden

    Tomas Bergström

  2. University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

    Jochen Franzke  & Sabine Kuhlmann  & 

  3. Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Ellen Wayenberg

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Bergström, T. (2021). The Future of Local Democracy: A Somewhat Dystopian View. In: Bergström, T., Franzke, J., Kuhlmann, S., Wayenberg, E. (eds) The Future of Local Self-Government. Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56059-1_2

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