This book describes the territorial autonomies that exist in the world today. There are 48 of them, spread across the globe.
In analysing the autonomies, the author uses the fuzzy-set method, which is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches and represents a creative alternative to conventional political science methods.

The book is aimed at all those interested in autonomy issues and in particular those with an interest in methodological issues in comparative politics.

The book contains all essential definitions and descriptions of the concept of autonomy. In addition, the author establishes his own definition of autonomy.

Geographical distance and economy are important factors behind the autonomy arrangements. A common feature of the autonomies is that the vast majority are islands or archipelago areas. It also turns out that most autonomies are in the highest income class according to the World Bank's classification.

The author Maria Ackrén is a licentiate of politics and a researcher at Åbo Akademi University.

This book is available in Swedish only.