Effective Governance Under Anarchy: Institutions, Legitimacy, and Social Trust in Areas of Limited Statehood

Effective governance in areas of limited statehood is possible with fair and transparent institutions, legitimate governors accepted by the people, and social trust. This can be achieved through international organizations, foreign aid agencies, non-governmental organizations, multi-national companies, rebel groups, traditional and religious leaders, and community-based organizations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Policy makers and academics have mistakenly advocated for an agenda that seeks to emulate well-governed democratic and consolidated Weberian states as the ideal model for the world and the focus of development programs. While Western industrial democracies stand as an exception, regions of limited statehood characterized by weak and ineffective state institutions are widespread, and this book argues that such areas can still be effectively governed. Three key factors contribute to effective governance in these contexts: fair and transparent institutions designed to meet the specific needs of the population, legitimate governors who are accepted and trusted by the people, and a sense of social trust among citizens.

It is important to note that effective and legitimate governance in the absence of a functioning state is not solely the responsibility of international organizations, foreign aid agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Multi-national companies, rebel groups, and other violent non-state actors, both traditional and religious leaders, and community-based organizations also play significant roles in providing governance in these contexts.

Börzel and Risse's argument is grounded in extensive empirical research conducted over a decade across Latin America, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. Their findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of governance in areas of limited statehood and shed light on the diverse range of actors and mechanisms involved in shaping governance outcomes.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316635049