Doing comparative research on local politics: At a crossroads between inertia and innovation

Abstract

This article tries to build a case for more rigorous and systematic comparative research on local politics. Discussing the opportunities and obstacles often associated with this approach, it attempts to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the field. The article distinguishes between three phases: the first two can be summarised as addressing the challenge (institutionalism) and the third as theorising (with description and explanation embedded in “new” institutionalism). Each phase is illustrated by one or more cases representative of that stage of development and the underlying complexities. In addition, the article formulates some prospects for improvement within the field, specifically with regard to explanations, theories, designs, and measurement.