The book is based on the results of a comparative research project that examined the reforms of local politics and administration in Great Britain, Sweden, France, and Germany. These four countries can be considered prototypes of European local systems, making them particularly suitable for a comparative analysis of the significant lines of development, reforms, and their determinants (path dependence, Europeanization, international reform discourses, financial crisis, etc.). To gain a comprehensive overview, a comparison of the general local structures (territorial organization, local responsibilities, local democracy, municipal performance structures, organizational and personnel structures) is conducted.