Struggles over what a region receives, or should receive, from the budget of the central government are common to many countries. Discussions often focus on the measures of 'net fiscal flows' or 'fiscal balances' provided by the government or other actors. This unique book shows just how these flows are computed then interpreted and clarifies the often misunderstood economic and political motives that explain why some regions receive more monies than others. The Political Economy of Inter-Regional Fiscal Flows provides an overview of the main methods currently being used to measure 'fiscal flows', highlighting the advantages of the different approaches and interpreting their results. The book reviews the political economy literature that analyses the determinants of inter-regional 'fiscal flows'. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between 'fiscal flows' and country stability, with methodological contributions and country studies both focusing on this issue. -- Back cover.