The field of intergovernmental relations has been strongly affected by the considerable processes of upheaval and change that have been experienced within the British system of central‐local relations. Researchers have tried to understand these changes both at an empirical and theoretical level.This article reviews four of the main perspectives on the changing nature of intergovernmental relations. The first perspective provides a historical and institutional analysis within the tradition of public administration. The second perspective draws on organizational theory. The third develops insights through rational choice analysis. The final perspective draws on neo‐Marxist influenced state theory. It can be concluded that in a search to understand the turmoil of recent years, students of intergovernmental relations have ranged far and wide in their theoretical concerns. The article closes with an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of this appro