Virtuous or Vicious Circle? Governance Effectiveness and Legitimacy in Areas of Limited Statehood. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmelzle, Cord; Stollenwerk, Eric
• Is Part Of: Journal of intervention and statebuilding. Volume 12:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 449
• Page End: 467
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Legitimacy -- limited statehood -- governance effectiveness -- non-state actors -- external actors -- virtuous circle; Intervention (International law) -- Periodicals; Nation-building -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Periodicals; Postwar reconstruction -- Periodicals; International cooperation -- Periodicals; 320
• DOI: 10.1080/17502977.2018.1531649
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-2977

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Effective and legitimate governance supposedly form a mutually reinforcing relationship, a virtuous circle of governance. We critically explore this argument in the context of limited statehood and underline why such areas challenge key assumptions underpinning the virtuous circle argument. In this special issue we ask: Does the effectiveness of governance affect the legitimacy of governance actors and institutions in areas of limited statehood, and vice versa? We develop a theoretical model of the virtuous circle and show that making such circles work is more complex, demanding and unlikely than often assumed. Empirical studies need to take these complexities into account, and policy makers are well-advised to adjust their policies accordingly.