Decentralization

Introduction:

There are many definitions and classifications of the term “decentralization” that require independent study to delve into their explanations. However, it can be said that the decentralization referred to in all the discussions we have had with Syrian parties who embrace the idea is considered a political and administrative concept that refers to the distribution of power and authority away from a single political center (such as the central government) and delegating it to subordinate units or lower governmental levels.

In other words, it is the process of transferring some decision-making and implementation powers from the national level to local or regional levels, with the legitimacy of the decision derived from the overall central entity. Otherwise, we would be talking about states rather than multiple centers within a single state!

In this study, we attempt to provide a calm reading of the concept of decentralization according to this definition, trying to clarify the subject while also opening the door for its critique for further benefit and utility. We welcome any responses that we can publish in the research and studies section of the Syrian Future Movement to enrich the issue with a beneficial conceptual and intellectual engagement. We do not claim to monopolize the truth and believe in its human relativity; thus, we always need intellectual engagement to rescue us from the maze of conceptual conflict.

About Decentralization:

The Syrian Democratic Path Conference was held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, where participants sought to unify efforts and build a better future for Syria, with the participation and support of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), over the course of October 25-26. The conference included political and civil forces comprising around fifty organizations and one hundred independent figures from inside Syria and the diaspora. According to the conference’s preparation and follow-up committee, the conference aims to enhance efforts to reach a political solution in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and to build a free, democratic, decentralized Syria, while also developing the efforts made by opposition institutions so far and integrating with them.

The mention of decentralization, in addition to the SDF project supporting this system, has sparked both apparent and hidden disagreements among Syrians regarding it, making it challenging to approach the concept of decentralization for those who do not wish to get mired in the swamp of partisanship and conflicts. However, we attempt to read with a cool mind, hoping to form a comprehensive overall picture that helps us bridge viewpoints regarding the unified path for Syrians.

After establishing the definition, we proceed to determine the characteristics and attributes of the meaning of decentralization based on the intersections we found between political theorizing and the Syrian desire for decentralization. We find that the characteristics of decentralization include:

1. Distribution of Power: Powers and responsibilities are distributed among different government levels.
2. Increased Participation: Decentralization encourages citizen participation in the decision-making process at the local level.
3. Diversity: Decentralization reflects the cultural and social diversity of local communities.
4. Efficiency: Decentralization is believed to improve efficiency in the delivery of public services.
5. Flexibility: Decentralization allows local communities to adapt to their specific needs.

Thus, based on these characteristics, some of the main reasons for adopting decentralization would be:

1. Enhancing Democratic Participation: Providing government services directly from citizens.
2. Meeting Diverse Local Needs: Promoting sustainable development.
3. Good Governance: Improving transparency and accountability in public affairs management.
4. Managing Cultural and Social Diversity: Resolving conflicts at the local level.

Through discussions among Syrians, we found that they speak of three types of decentralization:

1. Political Decentralization: Transferring political decision-making powers to local levels.
2. Administrative Decentralization: Transferring the powers to execute public services to local levels.
3. Financial Decentralization: Transferring financial resources to local levels.

Based on the above, we see that there are difficulties and challenges in achieving decentralization in Syria, with the most important challenges being:

1. Lack of Necessary Competence: Local institutions may lack the capacity to fulfill their new responsibilities.
2. Weak Central Oversight: This could lead to an increase in corruption at local levels.
3. Inequality: Decentralization may create disparities, leading to greater inequality between rich and poor regions.

It should be noted that decentralization is an evolving concept that changes over time and varies in application from one country to another. The applications of decentralization differ across countries, as they are influenced by historical, cultural, political, and even religious and ethnic factors.

Between Centralization and Decentralization:

Centralization and decentralization are two different administrative systems related to the distribution of power and decision-making in institutions and governments, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the most suitable system depends on the nature of the institution, its goals, and its surrounding circumstances. Centralization is a system where decision-making and policy-making are concentrated in the hands of a single central authority, usually at the top management level.

Advantages:

1. Unified Decision-Making: Decisions can be made quickly and effectively.
2. Control: Easier to monitor and evaluate performance.
3. Coordination: Facilitates coordination among various parts of the organization.
4. Stability: Provides a more stable work environment.

Disadvantages:

1. Increased Bureaucracy: More routine processes can slow down decision-making.
2. Lack of Flexibility: Difficulty in adapting to rapid changes.
3. Discouragement of Initiative: May stifle innovation and initiative.
4. Employee Dissatisfaction: Employees may feel dissatisfied due to limited participation in decision-making.

On the other hand, decentralization, as previously mentioned, is a system that distributes decision-making and policy-making across different levels within the institution, giving subordinate units some autonomy in making decisions related to their affairs.

Advantages:

1. Flexibility: Easier to adapt to local changes.
2. Encouragement of Initiative: Promotes innovation and initiative.
3. Increased Employee Satisfaction: Employees are more satisfied with their participation in decision-making.
4. Specialization: Focuses on local needs.

Disadvantages:

1. Fragmentation: Difficulty in achieving uniformity and coherence in decision-making.
2. Duplication of Efforts: Efforts may be repeated across different units.
3. Coordination Challenges: Difficulties in coordinating efforts among various units.
4. Inefficiency: Some subordinate units may be inefficient.

The choice of the most suitable system between centralization and decentralization depends on several factors, including:

1. Size of the Institution: Smaller institutions may be more suited to a centralized system, while larger, more complex institutions may require a decentralized system.
2. Nature of Work: Businesses that require quick decision-making may be more suitable for a centralized system, while those that need flexibility and adaptation to local conditions may be better suited for a decentralized system.
3. Organizational Culture: Institutions with a strong, cohesive culture may be more suited to a centralized system, while those that encourage independence and innovation may be better suited to a decentralized system.

It is clear that there is no ideal system; each system has its advantages and disadvantages. The principles of centralization and decentralization can be applied at various levels, whether in commercial or governmental institutions or even communities. Often, large institutions adopt a hybrid system that combines both centralization and decentralization, where some decisions are made centrally while others are delegated to subordinate units.

Decentralization and Its Application:

Between a state transitioning to decentralization and countries coming together under a decentralized contract, decentralization can be applied in both cases, with each scenario having its own unique characteristics and advantages:

1. Decentralization in a Single Country:
   • The majority of countries that implement decentralization do so within their geographic boundaries, with the following objectives:
   • A. Bringing services closer to citizens.
   • B. Enhancing public participation in decision-making.
   • C. Developing various regions in a balanced manner.
   • D. Protecting cultural and linguistic diversity.
   • E. Reducing pressure on the central government.
   • Several European countries, such as Switzerland and Germany, are considered successful models of decentralization within a single country.
2. Decentralization Among Multiple Countries (Unions):
   • This involves forming a union among several countries, where each country retains its independence while certain powers are pooled in common federal institutions. The objectives of this include:
     • A. Enhancing economic and political cooperation.
     • B. Creating a common market.
     • C. Unifying policies in certain areas (such as foreign policy and defense).
     • D. Protecting common interests.
     • Examples of this include the European Union and the African Union.

Factors Influencing the Success of Decentralization:

The choice of a decentralization system remains linked to several factors that must be studied before advocating for it, including:

1. Political Will: A strong political commitment to implementing decentralization.
2. Supportive Economic Conditions: The availability of sufficient resources to support local governments.
3. Cultural and Social Diversity: The system’s ability to manage diversity.
4. Transparency and Accountability: Clear mechanisms for oversight and accountability.

The decision to implement decentralization within a country or among several countries depends on a set of interrelated factors, and each case should be studied individually. Decentralization is not a magic recipe but a tool that can contribute to achieving sustainable development and democracy if applied correctly.

Challenges of Decentralization in Syria:

Syria faces significant challenges in implementing decentralization due to the ongoing crisis and political and social divisions. Some of the main challenges include:

1. Current Crisis: The ongoing war has destroyed the infrastructure of government institutions, displaced populations, and created significant gaps between regions. This situation makes it difficult to build strong local institutions capable of assuming the responsibilities assigned to them.
2. Political and Social Divisions: Political and social divisions have deepened over years of conflict, making it challenging to reach a consensus on the form of decentralization and the distribution of powers.
3. Security Concerns: Some parties fear that decentralization could lead to the division of the country and strengthen separatist factions.
4. Deteriorating Economic Conditions: The Syrian economy is facing a severe crisis, limiting the ability of the de facto authorities to provide the necessary resources for decentralization.
5. Lack of Effective Administration: Many regions lack effective management and the necessary competencies to take on local responsibilities.
6. Corruption: Corruption has spread throughout the institutions of the de facto authorities, threatening to undermine reform efforts.
7. External Interventions: Syria is subject to multiple external interventions, complicating the political landscape and making it difficult to make independent decisions.

In addition to these challenges, there are other challenges related to the implementation of decentralization in general, such as:

1. Clearly defining the powers to be granted to provinces and establishing the relationship between the central government and local governments.
2. Distributing financial and human resources fairly among different regions.
3. Building the capacities of local institutions so they can fulfill their responsibilities.
4. Encouraging local community participation in the decision-making process.

However, despite these challenges, implementing decentralization in Syria with the aim of achieving stability and development is possible, through:

1. Building trust among the various parties involved.
2. Carrying out extensive administrative reforms.
3. Combating corruption by all available means.
4. Providing necessary support from the international community for the political transition process.

The implementation of decentralization in Syria requires a long-term effort and cooperation among all concerned parties, and the Syrian people must take responsibility for building a better future for their country and work together to overcome the challenges they face.

Conclusion:

We see the question of whether a centralized or decentralized system is more suitable for Syria as a complex one, and there is no single answer that applies to all circumstances! Each system has its advantages and disadvantages, and its impact depends on many changing factors, such as the political, security, economic, and social situation in the country.

From the perspective of some experts, a decentralized system may be the most suitable solution for Syria in the long run, for the following reasons:

1. Diversity: A decentralized system can take into account the great diversity in Syria and grant each region greater independence in managing its affairs.
2. Popular Participation: A decentralized system encourages public participation in decision-making, enhancing citizens’ sense of ownership.
3. Local Development: A decentralized system can stimulate local development and invest in local resources.
4. Conflict Resolution: A decentralized system can help resolve existing conflicts by granting disputed areas greater autonomy.

However, the Syrian situation remains that there is no magical solution to free us from our crisis! Rather, Syrians must engage in dialogue to reach a consensus about the future of their country. Any new political system should be based on the principles of democracy, justice, and equality, ensuring the rights of all citizens, whether it is centralized or decentralized. It is essential to study the advantages and disadvantages of each system individually and to strive to present what suits the Syrian reality, ultimately benefiting Syria, both land and people.

Political Office
Research Team
Studies
Research and Studies Department
Syrian Future Movement

References:

1. With the participation of “MSD”: The launch of the Syrian Democratic Path Conference in Brussels.
2. Decentralization: Misconceptions and Imperatives.
3. Administrative Decentralization and Building the State, Not Mini-States.
4. Evaluating Decentralization Implementation Experiences in the Middle East and North Africa.
5. Syria and the System of Political Decentralization.
6. Administrative Decentralization in Lebanon and Its Role in the Development of Public Service and Balanced Growth.
7. On Centralization and Decentralization in Syria: Between Theory and Practice.
8. Expanded Administrative Decentralization: Challenges and Opportunities.
9. A New Stance from the Syrian Regime on Decentralization.
10. Decentralized Administrations: Between History and Current Reality.