Capacidades estatales en las jurisdicciones subnacionales de la Argentina: Un análisis cuantitativo de la capacidad extractiva (2013)

Abstract

The present research article, based on a quantitative and comparative analysis, aims to estimate and characterize one dimension of the state capacity of the subnational jurisdictions in Argentina: the extractive capacity. In regard to the latter, the degree of fiscal autonomy of local governments and their relation to public spending are empirically inquired. Firstly, theoretical aspects related to the concept state capacity and to one of its dimensions, the extractive capacity are addressed. Secondly, methodological issues in relation to the measurement of such capacity are discussed and an empirical analysis based on data from the Bureau of Fiscal Coordination with the Provinces for the year 2013 is presented. In the final considerations, it is concluded that the subnational extraction capacity and the autonomy of most jurisdictions in Argentina to develop public policies with their own fiscal resources is low and that there is a marked asymmetry between jurisdictions. In this context, aspects of fiscal federalism and of the system of financial coordination among jurisdictions are used to partly explain the results.