Abstract: The question of how and why federal systems emerge has attracted considerable attention in the comparative federalism literature since the late 1990s. In light of a growing number of studies, however, the debate on the origins and formation of federalism has spread out in many directions. Using federalization in North America and Western Europe as illustrative background, the main purpose of this paper is to re-focus an increasingly diversified scholarly landscape. It proposes, first, to conceptualize federalization as a case of institutional transformation that is rooted in territorial cleavages, driven by ideas and constrained through historical legacies. Second, it shows that the dynamics of federalization differ in terms their temporal properties. Accordingly, federal systems emerge either abruptly during critical junctures or evolve gradually. Third, the paper suggests that federalization processes can affect the sustainability of a federal outcome and shape the emergence of different types of federalism.

Abstract: Federalism is one of the strong theories of integration that brings political, legal and fiscal integration among the federating units (usually called provinces). The division of sovereign authority at different tiers is considered to be a source of stable, decentralized and credible governmental structures. However federations are not without trouble. Federal arrangements of division of power among central government and sub-national or semi-autonomous provincial governments are often problematic and demand for more autonomy threatens the very existence of the federation. Although having a big difference in terms of political culture, development and economy, Pakistan and Canada are two federations having many common features including ethnic diversity on the basis of linguistic and cultural conflicts, and demand for more provincial autonomy. The institutional structure and decentralization of power to the local level could not provide legal and political stability to curtail the separatist sentiments in both nations. Aggressive provincial interests and failing to secure more internal autonomy are the factors leading to loud centrifugal trends. On the basis of case studies of both countries applying institutional theory this study would analyze the questions; How far the institutional and structural changes could address the demands for more provincial autonomy? What is relation between ethnic diversity and declining federalism in Pakistan and Canada? Using a comparative, analytical approach to analyze the political, economic and social factors this study will try to address the questions about the survival and stability of both federation.