Davide Vampa
@davidevampa.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Territorial Politics, University of Edinburgh
Co-director of @ccc-research.bsky.social
Lead editor of @regfedst.bsky.social
Chair of @ecprfederalism.bsky.social
Views are my own.
Co-director of @ccc-research.bsky.social
Lead editor of @regfedst.bsky.social
Chair of @ecprfederalism.bsky.social
Views are my own.
4/8 These perceptions also matter politically.
Seeing devolution as delivering local benefits is strongly associated with:
✔️ in Scotland, greater support for devolved incumbents
✔️ in Scotland & Wales, stronger backing for further devolved powers
✔️ in Scotland, higher support for independence
Seeing devolution as delivering local benefits is strongly associated with:
✔️ in Scotland, greater support for devolved incumbents
✔️ in Scotland & Wales, stronger backing for further devolved powers
✔️ in Scotland, higher support for independence
October 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
4/8 These perceptions also matter politically.
Seeing devolution as delivering local benefits is strongly associated with:
✔️ in Scotland, greater support for devolved incumbents
✔️ in Scotland & Wales, stronger backing for further devolved powers
✔️ in Scotland, higher support for independence
Seeing devolution as delivering local benefits is strongly associated with:
✔️ in Scotland, greater support for devolved incumbents
✔️ in Scotland & Wales, stronger backing for further devolved powers
✔️ in Scotland, higher support for independence
2/8 The findings show clear intra-regional patterns in perceptions of who gains from devolution:
In Scotland: an urban–rural divide 🌆🌾
Residents in rural areas are much less likely to feel local benefits.
In Wales: a centre–periphery gap 🏙️↔️🏞️
Perceptions of benefit are concentrated around Cardiff.
In Scotland: an urban–rural divide 🌆🌾
Residents in rural areas are much less likely to feel local benefits.
In Wales: a centre–periphery gap 🏙️↔️🏞️
Perceptions of benefit are concentrated around Cardiff.
October 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
2/8 The findings show clear intra-regional patterns in perceptions of who gains from devolution:
In Scotland: an urban–rural divide 🌆🌾
Residents in rural areas are much less likely to feel local benefits.
In Wales: a centre–periphery gap 🏙️↔️🏞️
Perceptions of benefit are concentrated around Cardiff.
In Scotland: an urban–rural divide 🌆🌾
Residents in rural areas are much less likely to feel local benefits.
In Wales: a centre–periphery gap 🏙️↔️🏞️
Perceptions of benefit are concentrated around Cardiff.
1/8 Debates on devolution often focus on Scotland vs Westminster, or Wales vs Westminster.
But where, within devolved nations, are the benefits of devolved power actually felt?
This article uses new survey data to explore these internal territorial divides.
But where, within devolved nations, are the benefits of devolved power actually felt?
This article uses new survey data to explore these internal territorial divides.
October 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
1/8 Debates on devolution often focus on Scotland vs Westminster, or Wales vs Westminster.
But where, within devolved nations, are the benefits of devolved power actually felt?
This article uses new survey data to explore these internal territorial divides.
But where, within devolved nations, are the benefits of devolved power actually felt?
This article uses new survey data to explore these internal territorial divides.
📘 New article!
“Uneven benefits? Territorial divides in perceptions of devolution in Scotland and Wales" in @rsa-tpg.bsky.social
➡️ Where within devolved nations are the benefits of devolved power actually felt? With what political implications?
📄 Open access 🔗:
doi.org/10.1080/2162...
thread 🧵👇
“Uneven benefits? Territorial divides in perceptions of devolution in Scotland and Wales" in @rsa-tpg.bsky.social
➡️ Where within devolved nations are the benefits of devolved power actually felt? With what political implications?
📄 Open access 🔗:
doi.org/10.1080/2162...
thread 🧵👇
October 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
📘 New article!
“Uneven benefits? Territorial divides in perceptions of devolution in Scotland and Wales" in @rsa-tpg.bsky.social
➡️ Where within devolved nations are the benefits of devolved power actually felt? With what political implications?
📄 Open access 🔗:
doi.org/10.1080/2162...
thread 🧵👇
“Uneven benefits? Territorial divides in perceptions of devolution in Scotland and Wales" in @rsa-tpg.bsky.social
➡️ Where within devolved nations are the benefits of devolved power actually felt? With what political implications?
📄 Open access 🔗:
doi.org/10.1080/2162...
thread 🧵👇
Great to welcome Esther Roberton to my class today. Her reflections on the work of the Scottish Constitutional Convention gave students a unique perspective on the process leading up to devolution. A lively discussion and a reminder of the value of going beyond the textbook @uoe-sps.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Great to welcome Esther Roberton to my class today. Her reflections on the work of the Scottish Constitutional Convention gave students a unique perspective on the process leading up to devolution. A lively discussion and a reminder of the value of going beyond the textbook @uoe-sps.bsky.social
5/💶 Figure 7 highlights the role of regional prosperity.
The relatively richer the region, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Clear for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV (regional parties), the link is weak and mostly insignificant.
The relatively richer the region, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Clear for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV (regional parties), the link is weak and mostly insignificant.
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
5/💶 Figure 7 highlights the role of regional prosperity.
The relatively richer the region, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Clear for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV (regional parties), the link is weak and mostly insignificant.
The relatively richer the region, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Clear for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV (regional parties), the link is weak and mostly insignificant.
4/🏛️ Figure 5 adds another layer: regional institutions.
Where regions have high authority (RAI index), elections are more insulated from national turbulence.
👉 This mainly applies to TV (total volatility) and RTV (national parties).
❌ RSV (regional parties) follows a different, regional logic.
Where regions have high authority (RAI index), elections are more insulated from national turbulence.
👉 This mainly applies to TV (total volatility) and RTV (national parties).
❌ RSV (regional parties) follows a different, regional logic.
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
4/🏛️ Figure 5 adds another layer: regional institutions.
Where regions have high authority (RAI index), elections are more insulated from national turbulence.
👉 This mainly applies to TV (total volatility) and RTV (national parties).
❌ RSV (regional parties) follows a different, regional logic.
Where regions have high authority (RAI index), elections are more insulated from national turbulence.
👉 This mainly applies to TV (total volatility) and RTV (national parties).
❌ RSV (regional parties) follows a different, regional logic.
3/🏴☠️ Figure 3 highlights the role of regional parties.
The stronger their vote share, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Especially for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV, there’s little change - it already follows its own regional logic.
The stronger their vote share, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Especially for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV, there’s little change - it already follows its own regional logic.
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
3/🏴☠️ Figure 3 highlights the role of regional parties.
The stronger their vote share, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Especially for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV, there’s little change - it already follows its own regional logic.
The stronger their vote share, the weaker the association between national and regional volatility.
👉 Especially for TV (total volatility) & RTV (national parties).
❌ For RSV, there’s little change - it already follows its own regional logic.
2/👉 Regional elections often echo national instability – but only for national parties
✅ RTV volatility (national parties) aligned with GE volatility
❌ RSV volatility (regional parties) follows regional dynamics
➕ Same when looking at regeneration: RTV mirrors national shocks, RSV stays local
✅ RTV volatility (national parties) aligned with GE volatility
❌ RSV volatility (regional parties) follows regional dynamics
➕ Same when looking at regeneration: RTV mirrors national shocks, RSV stays local
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
2/👉 Regional elections often echo national instability – but only for national parties
✅ RTV volatility (national parties) aligned with GE volatility
❌ RSV volatility (regional parties) follows regional dynamics
➕ Same when looking at regeneration: RTV mirrors national shocks, RSV stays local
✅ RTV volatility (national parties) aligned with GE volatility
❌ RSV volatility (regional parties) follows regional dynamics
➕ Same when looking at regeneration: RTV mirrors national shocks, RSV stays local
1/🔑 Starting point: volatility in reg elections is not one-dimensional concept.
Framework describes territorial (region-transcending vs region-specific) and functional (alteration vs regeneration) dimensions of volatility. Main focus on territorial dimension, intersecting with functional.
Framework describes territorial (region-transcending vs region-specific) and functional (alteration vs regeneration) dimensions of volatility. Main focus on territorial dimension, intersecting with functional.
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
1/🔑 Starting point: volatility in reg elections is not one-dimensional concept.
Framework describes territorial (region-transcending vs region-specific) and functional (alteration vs regeneration) dimensions of volatility. Main focus on territorial dimension, intersecting with functional.
Framework describes territorial (region-transcending vs region-specific) and functional (alteration vs regeneration) dimensions of volatility. Main focus on territorial dimension, intersecting with functional.
🚨 New article out in @wepsocial.bsky.social !
📄 From nations to regions: electoral volatility in European multi-level politics
Open access👉 doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2025.2557768
National politics in Europe is growing more electorally unstable - does this volatility also reach the regions? Thread 🧵
📄 From nations to regions: electoral volatility in European multi-level politics
Open access👉 doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2025.2557768
National politics in Europe is growing more electorally unstable - does this volatility also reach the regions? Thread 🧵
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
🚨 New article out in @wepsocial.bsky.social !
📄 From nations to regions: electoral volatility in European multi-level politics
Open access👉 doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2025.2557768
National politics in Europe is growing more electorally unstable - does this volatility also reach the regions? Thread 🧵
📄 From nations to regions: electoral volatility in European multi-level politics
Open access👉 doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2025.2557768
National politics in Europe is growing more electorally unstable - does this volatility also reach the regions? Thread 🧵
Great four days at the 2025 @ecpr.bsky.social General Conference – 12 panels, over 50 papers in the @ecprfederalism.bsky.social SG section. Inspiring to see research on federalism, regionalism & territorial politics thriving and evolving. Thanks to all who presented and joined the debates!
August 30, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Great four days at the 2025 @ecpr.bsky.social General Conference – 12 panels, over 50 papers in the @ecprfederalism.bsky.social SG section. Inspiring to see research on federalism, regionalism & territorial politics thriving and evolving. Thanks to all who presented and joined the debates!
✈️ Off to Thessaloniki for the @ecpr.bsky.social conference!
Looking forward to catching up with friends & colleagues, and diving into the 12 panels of our section endorsed by @ecprfederalism.bsky.social.
👉 Come find us!
Also happy to chat about potential contributions to @regfedst.bsky.social !
Looking forward to catching up with friends & colleagues, and diving into the 12 panels of our section endorsed by @ecprfederalism.bsky.social.
👉 Come find us!
Also happy to chat about potential contributions to @regfedst.bsky.social !
August 24, 2025 at 5:38 PM
✈️ Off to Thessaloniki for the @ecpr.bsky.social conference!
Looking forward to catching up with friends & colleagues, and diving into the 12 panels of our section endorsed by @ecprfederalism.bsky.social.
👉 Come find us!
Also happy to chat about potential contributions to @regfedst.bsky.social !
Looking forward to catching up with friends & colleagues, and diving into the 12 panels of our section endorsed by @ecprfederalism.bsky.social.
👉 Come find us!
Also happy to chat about potential contributions to @regfedst.bsky.social !
Great workshop yesterday at @ccc-research.bsky.social – we explored how strengths/limitations of English devolution might inform local/regional reform in Scotland. Thanks to all who joined, esp. @ariannagiovannini.bsky.social @paulanderson88.bsky.social & @sekip.bsky.social! @uoe-sps.bsky.social
June 27, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Great workshop yesterday at @ccc-research.bsky.social – we explored how strengths/limitations of English devolution might inform local/regional reform in Scotland. Thanks to all who joined, esp. @ariannagiovannini.bsky.social @paulanderson88.bsky.social & @sekip.bsky.social! @uoe-sps.bsky.social
Kicking off Scottish Politics Conference at @uoe-sps.bsky.social co-organised by @scotvoting.bsky.social & @ccc-research.bsky.social Two days, 25 papers analysing different aspects of politics and policy in the lead-up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election
May 12, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Kicking off Scottish Politics Conference at @uoe-sps.bsky.social co-organised by @scotvoting.bsky.social & @ccc-research.bsky.social Two days, 25 papers analysing different aspects of politics and policy in the lead-up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election
🚨New commentary out for @ccc-research.bsky.social! 🚨
Reform UK’s shock wins in England are making waves across the UK. But could Scotland be next? I explore past trends and what Reform’s rise might mean for the polarisation of Scottish politics.
Link: edin.ac/44kvOrj
Reform UK’s shock wins in England are making waves across the UK. But could Scotland be next? I explore past trends and what Reform’s rise might mean for the polarisation of Scottish politics.
Link: edin.ac/44kvOrj
May 5, 2025 at 10:31 AM
🚨New commentary out for @ccc-research.bsky.social! 🚨
Reform UK’s shock wins in England are making waves across the UK. But could Scotland be next? I explore past trends and what Reform’s rise might mean for the polarisation of Scottish politics.
Link: edin.ac/44kvOrj
Reform UK’s shock wins in England are making waves across the UK. But could Scotland be next? I explore past trends and what Reform’s rise might mean for the polarisation of Scottish politics.
Link: edin.ac/44kvOrj
Delighted our UK GE course (hosted by @edinburghpir.bsky.social & @ccc-research.bsky.social w/ @ukandeu.bsky.social) won the @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social Jacqui Briggs Award for outstanding team teaching. Great to receive the prize & share the moment with other award-winning Edinburgh colleagues!
April 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Delighted our UK GE course (hosted by @edinburghpir.bsky.social & @ccc-research.bsky.social w/ @ukandeu.bsky.social) won the @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social Jacqui Briggs Award for outstanding team teaching. Great to receive the prize & share the moment with other award-winning Edinburgh colleagues!
River Tweed and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott
March 15, 2025 at 4:41 PM
River Tweed and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott
Kicking off the workshop (co-sponsored by @ccc-research.bsky.social) 'Unpicking The Scalar Fallacy? The Present and Future of Devolved Local Welfare Policies in the UK'. A great lineup of presentations, introduced @haylesben.bsky.social
@uoe-sps.bsky.social @edinburghpir.bsky.social
@uoe-sps.bsky.social @edinburghpir.bsky.social
February 20, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Kicking off the workshop (co-sponsored by @ccc-research.bsky.social) 'Unpicking The Scalar Fallacy? The Present and Future of Devolved Local Welfare Policies in the UK'. A great lineup of presentations, introduced @haylesben.bsky.social
@uoe-sps.bsky.social @edinburghpir.bsky.social
@uoe-sps.bsky.social @edinburghpir.bsky.social
4/6 Additionally, even controlling for other variables, evaluations of capitals are strongly associated with pro-/anti-devolution stances - in the case of Scotland, also support for EU membership. Interestingly, in Scotland, pro-London people are more anti-EU! (opposite for pro-Edinburgh people)
February 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
4/6 Additionally, even controlling for other variables, evaluations of capitals are strongly associated with pro-/anti-devolution stances - in the case of Scotland, also support for EU membership. Interestingly, in Scotland, pro-London people are more anti-EU! (opposite for pro-Edinburgh people)
3/6 Crucially, some spatial, political, and meta-political factors seem to be more strongly correlated with individuals’ perceptions of Edinburgh/Cardiff than London. Particularly, partisanship and peripherality play more important role for evaluations of sub-state capitals than state-wide capital.
February 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
3/6 Crucially, some spatial, political, and meta-political factors seem to be more strongly correlated with individuals’ perceptions of Edinburgh/Cardiff than London. Particularly, partisanship and peripherality play more important role for evaluations of sub-state capitals than state-wide capital.
2/6 Capital cities are assessed across three dimensions: individual, symbolic, integrative. Overall, Edinburgh and Cardiff consistently outperform London on all dimensions. However, significant differences exist within the Scottish and Welsh electorates in their evaluations of sub-state capitals.
February 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
2/6 Capital cities are assessed across three dimensions: individual, symbolic, integrative. Overall, Edinburgh and Cardiff consistently outperform London on all dimensions. However, significant differences exist within the Scottish and Welsh electorates in their evaluations of sub-state capitals.
Finally out! Article from @britishacademy.bsky.social project on territorial divides/inequalities under devolution. Published in @bjpir.bsky.social, it’s based on survey in Scotland & Wales examining public evaluations of ‘state-wide’ capital (London) & ‘sub-state’ capitals (Edinburgh/Cardiff). 🧵&🔗👇
February 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Finally out! Article from @britishacademy.bsky.social project on territorial divides/inequalities under devolution. Published in @bjpir.bsky.social, it’s based on survey in Scotland & Wales examining public evaluations of ‘state-wide’ capital (London) & ‘sub-state’ capitals (Edinburgh/Cardiff). 🧵&🔗👇
The article also provides preliminary insights into the factors that may explain territorial variations in party success in Italy and Spain. CES tends to be higher for new parties and lower for regionalist and incumbent parties, although no consistent patterns emerge across party families.
January 3, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The article also provides preliminary insights into the factors that may explain territorial variations in party success in Italy and Spain. CES tends to be higher for new parties and lower for regionalist and incumbent parties, although no consistent patterns emerge across party families.
The CES index is applied to over 300 party observations from decades of democratic elections (1946-2022 in Italy and 1977-2023 in Spain). The article examines patterns and trends.
January 3, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The CES index is applied to over 300 party observations from decades of democratic elections (1946-2022 in Italy and 1977-2023 in Spain). The article examines patterns and trends.