Conclusion — Devolution in Wales: Future Challenges

Abstract

Cole and Stafford utilise the findings of their empirical research on Wales to consider the wider implications of the shifting policy setting for territorial politics within the United Kingdom and Europe. The chapter examines five key perspectives that emerge from the Welsh case study: the importance of understanding the historical evolution of territorial governance and political capacity; the key role of legitimising discourses in framing political and policy distinctiveness; the variable experiences across different policy fields; the relative consensus regarding the future challenges for devolution; and the continued utility of multi-level governance as an entry point to appreciate the development of the Welsh polity. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the comparative study of families of European regions.