Abstract
Asymmetric autonomy normally refers to an institutional arrangement in which different parts of a state enjoy different levels of autonomy. It can arise in federations, when certain federal regions have more (or less) powers than others, or in unitary states, when some regions enjoy autonomy, including different levels of autonomy, while other regions are governed from the centre. In most cases asymmetric autonomy is a response to pressure for autonomy, or more autonomy, from minority national communities, or results when an independent entity is granted special self-governing privileges in return for joining a state. Examples of asymmetric autonomy include Aceh, the Aland Islands, Southern Sudan, South Tyrol and Zanzibar. Asymmetric autonomy is also mooted as a possible solution to several current conflicts and stand-offs, including in Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Moldova (Transnistria) and Sudan (Darfur).
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McGarry, J. (2012). The United Kingdom’s Experiment in Asymmetric Autonomy and the Lessons Learned. In: Seymour, M., Gagnon, AG. (eds) Multinational Federalism. The Comparative Territorial Politics series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137016744_7
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