In this article it is argued that sound fiscal relations between national and subnational governments are based on a balance between central control and local fiscal autonomy. After sketching the theoretical aspects of the problem, we discuss some of the fiscal problems experienced by South...

This brief will argue that Constituency Development Funds (CDFs) have a negative impact on accountability and service delivery that most poor countries can ill afford. The risks associated with CDFs should be taken more seriously by governments, donors, CSOs, and other actors involved in the...

Introduction / Melissa Crane Draper and Jim Shultz -- The Cochabamba water revolt and its aftermath / Jim Shultz -- A river turns black : Enron and Shell spread destruction across Bolivia's highlands / Christina Haglund -- Oil and gas : the elusive wealth beneath their feet / Gretchen Gordon and...