East Asia decentralizes -- The rules of the intergovernmental game in East Asia: decentralization frameworks and processes -- Achieving fiscal sustainability -- Fiscal disparities in East Asia: how large and do they matter? -- Public expenditure on the frontline: toward effective management by subnational governments

The report has been written primarily for policy makers who are currently making decisions on these issues, but academics, business people, and development practitioners should also find it useful. It does not attempt to provide an exhaustive analysis or a detailed practical manual on decentralization in East Asia. Space limitations do not permit coverage of all facets of decentralization that may be important. Nor is every country in the region included. Instead, the volume focuses on six East Asian countries where decentralization is a major issue: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The report is intended to be helpful in tracking progress on decentralization in East Asia today and in guiding reforms as they go forward.