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The spatial dimension of political dissent – Centre-periphery dynamics in Sweden

Authors
  • Karlsson, David
  • Skoog, Louise
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2025
Identifiers
DOI: 10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103248
OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-232053
Source
DiVA - Academic Archive On-line
Keywords
Language
English
License
Green
External links

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of centre-periphery dynamics, emphasising the multifaceted distribution of political power and resources between central and peripheral areas within a polity. The study examines how these dynamics influence party-political dissent in Swedish local governments. Drawing on data from a comprehensive survey of councillors across Sweden's 290 municipalities, it analyses whether political dissent vary across policy areas such as taxation, refugee reception, and public service locations. The findings indicate that while centre-periphery dynamics does not influence conflict levels in most areas, they significantly affect dissent regarding location of public services. Conflicts are more likely to escalate in municipalities with a larger portion of the population residing outside the administrative centre and spread across a wider area. These results suggest that centre-periphery dynamics play a crucial role in shaping party dissent, particularly on issues relevant to territorial politics, and that the level of dissent primarily depends on the capacity of disadvantaged groups to mobilise and advocate for their interests.

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