Influencing powerful partners: American federalism and strategies of tribal governments.

Abstract

This dissertation examines relations between Native American tribal governments and states and localities, and it offers new ways of thinking about the constraints and opportunities that marginalized groups face in politics. While some tribes have transformed their fortunes in recent years with highly profitable casinos, most continue to struggle against stark disadvantages---yet there are a number of instances where tribes in constrained circumstances have convinced states and localities to change regulatory standards, pursue joint initiatives, and deliver assistance to tribal communities. How is it that tribes, in some cases, overcome the odds and make their voices heard? This project uses quantitative and qualitative analyses of federal, state, local, and tribal government records to illustrate strategies that allow for greater tribal influence. This analysis demonstrates that tribes have achieved success by cultivating their policy expertise and political knowledge. Furthermore, tribes win external support---typically, niches of federal assistance---that provides small but needed subsidies for building these capacities. By turning attention to expertise and to particular forms of outside support, this project identifies political tools that are often underappreciated or simply unrecognized. Ultimately, these findings illuminate new frameworks for understanding the federal role in regional intergovernmental relations, how information matters in politics, and how politically disadvantaged groups can challenge the obstacles facing them.