GRAPPLING WITH THE PANDEMIC: Rich insights into intergovernmental relations

Abstract

This chapter examines the use of intergovernmental relations in federal-type systems during the challenging conditions presented by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, to enhance understanding of the theory and practice of intergovernmental relations more generally. To this end, it draws on accounts of this period in 19 federal-type systems, including the European Union. To assist understanding of the diversity of intergovernmental relations, this chapter begins by identifying aspects of the context of federal-type systems by which intergovernmental relations are shaped. Thereafter, this chapter explores the range of purposes for which intergovernmental relations were used in respond..