TITLE:
Solving Global Challenges Locally: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Local Governance
AUTHORS:
Anna Phirtskhalashvili, George Gavtadze
KEYWORDS:
Local Self-Government, European Integration, Decentralization, Devolution, Democratization
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.4,
April
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: In today’s turbulent global landscape, characterized by crises, pandemics, and conflicts, the fundamental human rights and principles often find themselves relegated to the background. This interdisciplinary paper delves into the pivotal role of local self-government in shaping a nation’s trajectory towards European integration, shedding light on the challenges it faces and presenting viable solutions. Recognizing the indispensable nature of local self-government in the lives of citizens, this study explores its constitutional significance, particularly in alignment with Chapter 9 of Georgia’s Constitution. With a strong focus on enhancing citizen participation and addressing public needs, the paper advocates for a balanced distribution of governance powers between central and local authorities. It underscores the importance of decentralization, democratization, and the efficient functioning of local self-government systems in effectively addressing localized concerns. Through an in-depth analysis, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of these critical facets, taking into account their implications in our ever-evolving global landscape. By reiterating the significance of upholding human rights and democratic principles at the local level, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on the sustainable development and integration of nations in an increasingly complex world. The aim of the article, in general, is to make clear to the readers and the narrow professional community the importance of the role of local self-government in the process of democratization, which is largely due to the activity of the local civil society. The article, based on the competence of its authors (law and economics), relies on an interdisciplinary research method. This means that legal and economic theories regarding the democratization of local self-government are discussed in a complex manner. Therefore, the discussion about the issue, as well as the conclusions and recommendations are not only presented in a narrow context, but it also reflects the legal and economic synthesis of the development of local self-government. Based on interdisciplinary research, the article uses sources such as international and national legal acts, economic judgments and definitions belonging to leading scholars in the field.