Dissecting Public Opinion on Regional Authority: Four Types of Regionalists Based on Citizens’ Preferences for Self-Rule and Shared Rule

Abstract Although regional governments play vital roles in most political systems, citizens’ perceptions regarding authority are only rarely studied. Relying on the International Constitutional Values Survey held among more than 6,000 respondents from 142 regions eight countries, we develop measures to tap into preferences for self-rule—i.e., autonomy their region—and shared rule—i.e., engagement national decision-making. A majority of citizens prefer have some level both self-rule and rule, but around a quarter region less rule or vice versa. The analysis reveals these varying associated with region’s actual identity. These results important because they indicate that do not presume increased be main path strong authority.