Introduction: Institutional choice and recognition in the formation and consolidation of local democracy

Ribot, J C and Chhatre, A and Lankina, T (2008) Introduction: Institutional choice and recognition in the formation and consolidation of local democracy. Conservation and Society, 6 (1). pp. 1-11.

Abstract

What are the democracy effects of ‘decentralisation’ reforms and projects? Most developing countries have launched decentralisation reforms for the purpose of improving service delivery, local development and management. In these reforms and projects, however, governments, international development agencies and large non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are transferring power to a wide range of local institutions, including private bodies, customary authorities, and NGOs. Recognition of these other local institutions means that fledgling local governments are receiving few public powers and face competition for legitimacy. Under what conditions is the new plurality of approaches and local interlocutors fostering local democratic consolidation or resulting in fragmented forms of authority and belonging? Through case studies in Benin, Guatemala, India, Malawi, Russia, Senegal, and South Africa, this issue explores the effects of institutional choices and recognition by governments, international development agencies and large NGOs on three dimensions of democracy: 1) representation, 2) citizenship and 3) the public domain. This article outlines an approach to the politics of institutional choice and recognition while drawing out findings from the articles in this issue.

Affiliation:	Indian School of Business
ISB Creiators:	ISB Creators ORCiD Chhatre, A http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5374-7867
Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	The research paper was published by the author with the affiliation of University of Illinois.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Democratic Decentralisation, Civil Society, Citizenship, Local Government, Natural Resource management, Institutional Choice, Recognition, Public Domain, Foreign Aid
Subjects:	Economics
Depositing User:	Ilayaraja M
Date Deposited:	16 May 2019 15:33
Last Modified:	16 May 2019 15:33
URI:	http://eprints.exchange.isb.edu/id/eprint/982
Publisher URL:	http://www.conservationandsociety.org/text.asp?200...
Publisher OA policy:	http://sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/0972-4923/
Related URLs:	Google Scholar

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