National Consequences

Abstract

Abstract This chapter investigates whether the extent of shared rule has a negative effect, a positive effect, or no effect on a wide range of phenomena at the level of countries. The evidence presented supports the optimistic standpoint. Hence, shared rule properly conceived serves both federal and democratic ends and indeed combines the benefits of both. It adopts the participatory and deliberative strengths of democracy—that is, inclusion and respect for rational argumentation—and applies it to interactions between governments that are themselves the result of democratic processes. At the same time, providing for a central space incentivizes—but of course does not guarantee—governments to work jointly towards the common good whilst respecting regional differences. However, shared rule seems to achieve all that mainly by acting as a complement and safeguard for regional self-rule.