
Anders Uhlin
Professor

Democracy in Global Governance: The Promises and Pitfalls of Transnational Actors
Author
Summary, in English
The participation of transnational actors in global policymaking is increasingly seen as a means to democratize global governance. Drawing
on alternative theories of democracy and existing empirical evidence, we
assess the promises and pitfalls of this vision. We explore how the structuring and operation of international institutions, public-private partnerships, and transnational actors themselves may facilitate expanded
participation and enhanced accountability in global governance. We find
considerable support for an optimistic verdict on the democratizing potential of transnational actor involvement, but also identify hurdles in
democratic theory and the practice of global governance that motivate a
more cautious outlook. In conclusion, we call for research that explores
the conditions for democracy in global governance through a combination
of normative political theory and positive empirical research.
on alternative theories of democracy and existing empirical evidence, we
assess the promises and pitfalls of this vision. We explore how the structuring and operation of international institutions, public-private partnerships, and transnational actors themselves may facilitate expanded
participation and enhanced accountability in global governance. We find
considerable support for an optimistic verdict on the democratizing potential of transnational actor involvement, but also identify hurdles in
democratic theory and the practice of global governance that motivate a
more cautious outlook. In conclusion, we call for research that explores
the conditions for democracy in global governance through a combination
of normative political theory and positive empirical research.
Department/s
- Department of Political Science
Publishing year
2010
Language
English
Pages
81-101
Publication/Series
Global Governance
Volume
16
Issue
1
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Lynne Rienner Publishers
Topic
- Political Science
Keywords
- accountability
- transnational actors
- global governance
- democracy
- participation
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1075-2846