Gaps of Different Sizes: Assessing Political Asymmetry in Cross-Border Cooperation

In this study, I aim to gain a more comprehensive understanding of political asymmetry in cross-border cooperation by comparing authority asymmetry in cross-border cooperation. My research is guided by the question: What patterns of regional and local authority asymmetry in cross-border cooperation can be measured? I develop a conceptualization of authority asymmetry in cross-border cooperation based on the dimensions policy scope, institutional depth, financial autonomy and multi-level interrelations. Based on an analysis of data from the Regional Authority Index (RAI) and the Local Autonomy Index (LAI), I empirically analyze authority asymmetry measured by standard deviations of index scores in the respective cross-border cooperation constellations. The analysis reveals differences across cases and governmental levels. The results provide a comparative perspective and can inform future descriptive and causal analyses, the inclusion of political contexts in case studies as well as case selection.