The 2009 International Conference on the Political and Economic Consequences of Decentralization took place in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia (Spain) on November 5–6, 2009. Organized by Ignacio Lago-Peñas (Pompeu Fabra University), Santiago Lago-Peñas (University of Vigo and REDE), and Jorge Martínez-Vázquez (Georgia State University and REDE), the conference brought together leading international scholars to discuss the multifaceted impacts of decentralization. Over two days, sessions covered topics such as its influence on constitutional structures, party systems, political behavior, social capital, national unity, corruption, economic growth, regional convergence, taxation, public expenditure, and inequality. The event fostered rich debate and exchange of ideas, offering valuable insights into one of the most significant transformations in modern governance