>>96803819
>Actually, how centralized would an elf kingdom/empire/whatever would even be?
I have no idea if there is ever a tendency for a ruler ruling for a long time to centralize power more than rulers, or ruling houses, that rule for a short time. It seems to me, that any ruling faction will attempt to centralize as much control as possible, doesn't matter if elf, human, dwarf or whatever. However, decentralization is something that can befall any nation or kingdom. And sorry for the non-answer, but I think that depends overall on the actual structure of the nation, kingdom or empire in question. And also what means are available to organize and govern it, and communicate with other parties (it's far easier to maintain control of a far-away region if you can communicate with the local ruler, for example by telephone, or magic).

Because it makes many writers piss and seethe if elves are badass and able to overshadow other races (especially humans), so they have to be written as impotent assholes to one-up.
Also, a lot of settings focus a lot more on the "lost glory" aspect, so they just provide ruins and old mysteries while in the current time of the setting other races are allowed to do cool things.
It doesn't help that elves are seen as "privileged" and white-coded Many writers think Tolkiens elves are too perfect (and completely miss their narrative purpose), so they make them stupid and weak.