Examining the foundations of development, Shivakumar describes how
societies can reconstitute themselves to improve their developmental
well-being. He argues that the unitary state focus in theory and
practice limits the creative potential of individuals to improve their
mutual well-being through crafting capabilities for self-governance.
This is a significant contribution to current discussions on
institutional foundations of development, providing practical guidance
on what it means to constitute a government that facilitates rather than
impedes progress.