As few studies have been conducted on the roles of governments at different levels in cross-boundary cooperation process,this paper,drawing on the multi-level governance theory,explores the roles of local governments ...As few studies have been conducted on the roles of governments at different levels in cross-boundary cooperation process,this paper,drawing on the multi-level governance theory,explores the roles of local governments in cross-boundary cooperation in China through in-depth interviews and document analysis in the Guangzhou-Foshan metropolitan area.The paper finds that China has seen a significant advance in cross-boundary cooperation in terms of institutional building and a remarkable change in municipal and provincial government functions.The new forms of regional cooperation have enhanced horizontal ties,but political directives from the central government cannot simply be ignored as existing administrative hierarchy is stll a pervasive principle.The power devolution is essentially the transfer of power from the central government to pro-vincial-and municipal-level governments(or prefecture city governments)but overlooks the district and county governments.Furthermore,citizens and non-government institutions have no access to the decision-making process and channels for airing their appeals.In a real sense,the regional cooperation systemhas not yet been well established.展开更多
基金This research is funded by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41801161 and 41971157)the National Natural Social Science Foundation of China(No.21AZD034).
文摘As few studies have been conducted on the roles of governments at different levels in cross-boundary cooperation process,this paper,drawing on the multi-level governance theory,explores the roles of local governments in cross-boundary cooperation in China through in-depth interviews and document analysis in the Guangzhou-Foshan metropolitan area.The paper finds that China has seen a significant advance in cross-boundary cooperation in terms of institutional building and a remarkable change in municipal and provincial government functions.The new forms of regional cooperation have enhanced horizontal ties,but political directives from the central government cannot simply be ignored as existing administrative hierarchy is stll a pervasive principle.The power devolution is essentially the transfer of power from the central government to pro-vincial-and municipal-level governments(or prefecture city governments)but overlooks the district and county governments.Furthermore,citizens and non-government institutions have no access to the decision-making process and channels for airing their appeals.In a real sense,the regional cooperation systemhas not yet been well established.
