Handbook on Theories of Governance

Edited by Christopher Ansell, Professor of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, US and Jacob Torfing, Professor of Politics and Institutions, Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, Denmark and Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nord University, Norway

In the past two decades, governance theories have arisen semi-independently across multiple disciplines. In law and regulation, planning, democratic theory, economics, public management, and international relations, among other disciplines, scholars have sought to describe new strategies of governing. As a result, the notion of governance is now one of the most frequently used social science concepts in the world. No single theory encompasses this diverse body of work, but rather multiple theories with different aims and perspectives. The Handbook on Theories of Governance collects these theories of governance together as an analytical resource for governing in an increasingly complex, fragmented and dynamic society.

‘Governance is everywhere in academic research. Students and faculty alike are confronted with so many competing theories, so many definitions. The Handbook on Theories of Governance brings order to the discord of voices and hope to those in despair, marshalling a galaxy of academic talent to provide authoritative surveys. We are all truly grateful.’
– R.A.W. Rhodes, University of Southampton, UK

‘At the moment when governance has become the dominant mode in Public Administration, this excellent book that elaborates all aspects of governance comes at the opportune time.’
– Erik-Hans Klijn, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands