Effective and Legitimate Governance in Areas of Limited Statehood: A Virtuous Circle?

Virtuous circles of governance are key to effective and legitimate governance, but are more likely to evolve for external and non-state actors than for the state. This book offers conceptual innovations, new empirical evidence, and policy recommendations to ensure effective and legitimate governance in areas of limited statehood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Effective and legitimate governance is a crucial concern for both domestic and international politics. One proposed solution to this challenge is the concept of virtuous circles of governance, which suggests that more effective governance leads to greater legitimacy, and vice versa. However, in many parts of the world, state institutions are weak, leading to perceptions of ineffective governance and a lack of legitimacy among citizens. This raises the question of whether virtuous circles of governance can evolve in areas of limited statehood.

The central claim of Effective and Legitimate Governance in Areas of Limited Statehood is that virtuous circles of governance are indeed possible in such contexts, but are more likely to emerge for external and non-state actors rather than the state. The book argues that the state is often part of the governance problem rather than the solution, and offers a new theoretical model for understanding the interplay between effective and legitimate governance.

To support its argument, the book provides in-depth empirical evidence through case studies of Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. These case studies consider state, external, and non-state actors and highlight the key challenges and opportunities for ensuring effective and legitimate governance in areas of limited statehood.

The book offers conceptual innovations, new empirical evidence, and policy recommendations to ensure effective and legitimate governance in areas of limited statehood. It emphasizes the importance of building trust between citizens and government institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and engaging with local communities to address their needs and concerns.

Overall, Effective and Legitimate Governance in Areas of Limited Statehood is a valuable contribution to the field of political science and governance. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for ensuring effective and legitimate governance in contexts where state institutions are weak, and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192858924