Federalism and conflict management

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In many countries facing challenges to statehood, federalism is increasingly viewed as a reform model. Stakeholders in ethnically, religiously, socially, and culturally diverse nations consider federal reforms a means to maintain national unity while addressing minority aspirations. The potential of federalism to integrate varying interests, autonomy movements, and territorial conflicts is highlighted, yet peaceful coexistence through federalism is not guaranteed. Successful federal reforms require consideration of several critical factors, including the interaction between institutions and levels of government, which is vital for conflict regulation. While federalism may not resolve all conflicts, it ideally offers a framework for effective and non-violent conflict management. Another essential factor is the distribution of competences and responsibilities, as determining "who decides on what" is crucial for states transferring powers to lower government levels. Conflicts often stem from struggles for autonomy and legislative power for minorities, making suitable responsibility distribution key to sustainable conflict resolution. Additionally, ensuring that each government level has adequate financial resources to fulfill its duties is vital, with fiscal arrangements playing a significant role in balancing autonomy and equality. The discussions from the International Munich Federalism Days 2017 inform this publication, which