Puerto Rico: Intergovernmental Relations, Territoriality, and the Political Question.

In 1950, the United States granted Puerto Rico a level of internal self-government. For two decades, its economy soared. But federal, global, and internal changes marked the end of prosperity. A spiraling debt led to a default and a profound social and economic downturn that brought about a diverse set of new challenges. The article analyzes structural, fiscal, and political factors affecting autonomy and self-government in Puerto Rico. The article's contribution is the application of a multidimensional perspective that points to three areas that must be addressed to strengthen autonomy and self-government instead of focusing solely on the political status situation. Their compounded impact gives way to intergovernmental dysfunctionalities that threaten the Island's social, economic, and political stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]