| Type | Political and economic framework |
| Concept | Decentralization |
| Examples | |
| Model origin | Opposition to 19th-century centralization |
| Characteristics | Localized governance • Resource management • Networked city-states • Interdependence • Mutual aid • Collaboration |
| Transition period | 19th century, accelerating towards latter half & gradual 20th century |
In this alternate timeline, decentralization refers to a model of political and economic organization based on networked city-states and regional federations that exercise localized control over resources, economies, and governance. It emerged as a consequence of widespread frustration with centralized nation-states in the 19th century and became the dominant paradigm by the latter half of the 20th century.
Decentralized concepts have a long history, going back to the decentralized governance of ancient Mediterranean city-states and the decentralized economic systems of indigenous societies. However, it was the rapid centralization and associated inefficiencies and inequalities of 19th-century nation-states that sparked the modern decentralization movement.
Decentralization proponents argued that centralized nations were increasingly unable to manage their resources, economies, and populations in an equitable and effective manner. They drew inspiration from philosophers like Henri de Saint-Simon, Charles Fourier, and Peter Kropotkin, who articulated visions for decentralized societies with strong elements of collaboration, mutual aid, and self-sufficiency.
The modern era of decentralization began in earnest in the mid-to-late 19th century, as a number of cities and regions broke away from centralized governments to form networks of independent city-states and regional federations. These city-states were initially focused on the local use of renewable energy, such as hydroelectricity, solar power, and wind power, and on local agriculture and manufacturing.
Throughout the early 20th century, the networks of city-states gradually expanded across continents, forming large trading blocs and regional federations. Examples included the Mediterranean Union, the Caribbean Federation, and the Greater East Asian Alliance. These federations created common services, including transportation infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and energy infrastructure, while maintaining control over local resources and governance.
Decentralization advocates also called for the shift to localized control of natural resources, such as mining, forestry, and water. By the mid-20th century, these efforts had become mainstream, with nations and city-states agreeing on a model of resource partitioning that divided control between local authorities and global resource management bodies.
The model struck a delicate balance between promoting the sustainable use of resources by city-states while enabling global coordination to ensure fair distribution and address transboundary threats. Examples of global resource management bodies included the World Hydroelectric Commission, the Global Biomass Council, and the Planetary Fisheries Alliance.
As decentralization took hold, a new global order of collaborative governance emerged, with local and regional entities cooperating on matters of common interest. Multilateral organizations and institutions arose, such as the Global Consensus Council, the World Justice Authority, and the Networked Disarmament Movement, which aimed to address global challenges and maintain peace and stability on a decentralized basis.
A crucial part of this global regime was the provision of shared services and infrastructure. This included transnational transportation networks, telecommunication grids, global navigation satellite systems, and international space stations. Various autonomous, civilian, and commercial space programs also contributed to the growing space economy and infrastructure.
Decentralization had profound implications for economic systems, currencies, and trade. Local city-states adopted a mix of economic systems, with elements of socialism, communism, anarchism, and capitalism appearing in various combinations. Currencies, as well, became more diverse and decentralized, with many city-states adopting local currencies that either complemented or competed with traditional fiat currency systems.
Trade also underwent significant changes, with local and regional entities negotiating trade agreements and participating in global markets. Fair trade arrangements and alternative trade organizations, such as the Women's Cooperative Trading Union and the Local Goods Exchange, emerged to counterbalance the power of multinational corporations.
Decentralization played a significant role in shaping culture, identity, and politics. Localized governance, resource control, and economic systems led to more distinct regional and city-state identities. However, shared global experiences, infrastructure, and challenges also fostered a sense of interdependence, global community, and mutual aid.
Politics also responded to decentralization, as traditional nation-states gave way to more fragmented, cooperative forms of governance. In many cases, social movements and community networks played a more significant role in shaping policy and politics than traditional political institutions.
Decentralization, therefore, represents a profound evolution of political, economic, and social systems that has reshaped the modern world in this alternate timeline. Its focus on localized control, collaboration, interdependence, and mutual aid has fostered a more equitable and sustainable global order, but not without challenges and controversies.
