Using Japan and France as case studies, this book argues that decentralization is fundamentally an "oppositional" policy advocated by political parties in opposition, placed on the legislative agenda when they come to power, and pursued at times even when it ceases to make partisan sense to do so. In short, decentralization occurs when the opposition governs.

1. Decentralization as an "Oppositional" Policy 2. Centralist Immobilism under Conservative Rule 3. Preparing the Alternative in Opposition 4. France: Alternation in Power 5. Japan: Ruling in Coalition 6. When the Opposition Governs

Koichi Nakano, Ph.D. (Princeton) is Associate Professor of Political Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Sophia University in Japan.