Centralization and the development potential of peripheral areas

Asymmetrical power relations between centre and periphery have been analysed for decades by scholars, who pointed out the cumulative advantages of centres social, political economic disadvantages dependent peripheries. The common element theories with a multidisciplinary approach is that tends to keep draining its resources. At same time, positive mission provide services job opportunities periphery, accelerate modernization catching up act as mediator towards dynamizing networks. Developmental peripheries sparked academic interest asking whether how in space can be compensated for. In order answer this question, paper analyses role state, central government shaping centre-periphery relationship. systems are based on centralized redistribution subsidies, fate both depends their ‘designated’ place, which determined public planning process at best, personal, informal assertion situations worst. We much less knowledge about peripheries’ own local activity change pre-assigned position caused peripherality, if so, what governance conditions policy interventions necessary achieve this. issue particularly topical light fact Hungary relationship governments has become controversial over past decade. Local steadily losing It clear peripheral municipalities narrowest room manoeuvre, they unable mobilise resources far from development centres. While announced an ambitious rural strategy, resource-strapped real partners. theoretical part study draws employed EU-funded RELOCAL project while empirical relies first findings ongoing research programme funded National Research, Development Innovation Office. chapters review main different disciplines analyse situation perspective power-institutional context. present preliminary results project. So only partially highlighted correlations trajectories. This drawn our attention aspects were previously ignored, will influence direction further research. data elections county understudy, it seems voter behaviour not necessarily ‘losing’ or ‘winning’ settlement region. There no significant divergence national trends: opposition-led few (besides capital), particular small municipalities, multiple re-election leaders common. Contrary assumptions, majority respondents belonging elite consider visibility personal qualities more important than connections higher levels spite perception funding comes EU sources. These course require interpretation. people's sensitivity territorial location &success! municipality. also possible information transfer, communication, socialisation networks local, existential circumstances.