Bridging the Economic Divide Within Countries: A Scorecard on the Performance of Regional Policies in Reducing Regional Income Disparities

摘要: Abstract Regional inequalities represent a continuing development challenge in most countries. There is presumption economics that decentralized fiscal arrangements would lead to ever-widening regional inequalities. This paper provides an empirical test of this hypothesis. We conclude policies have failed almost all countries, federal and unitary alike. Still, countries do better restraining inequalities, because the greater political risk these disparities pose for such Our findings also suggest experiencing divergence tend focus on interventionist policies, while those convergence taken hands-off approach instead promoting economic union by removing barriers factor mobility ensuring minimum standards basic services across country.