"Centralist" vs "Decentralist" theories

Centralist theories advocate for concentrating political power and decision-making authority in a central government or authority, believing it ensures uniform policies and easier coordination across regions. Decentralist theories, on the other hand, favor distributing authority to regional or local governments, allowing for greater local input and responsiveness to specific community needs. Essentially, centralists prioritize unity and standardization, while decentralists emphasize local control and diversity. These approaches influence how governments organize themselves and manage resources, balancing uniformity with local autonomy.