On Governance: What It Is, What It Means and Its Policy Uses

by Robert I. Rotberg (Editor)

Spreading good governance is a key goal of political leaders and reformers — whether it is to improve cities, nations, regimes or institutions — because better-governed people are more likely to avoid civil conflict and obtain significant social returns. But just what is meant by “governance” at the national or international level? Is it a fuzzy concept, or is it a clear set of rules or norms? How can it help to strengthen societies and drive better policy? On What It Is, What It Measures and Its Policy Uses answers these questions. By proposing new theories for national and global governance, examining more than 90 governance indexes and analyzing best practices in governance, this volume suggests how policy makers can use governance theory and governance indexes to improve both domestic and multilateral decision making. World order depends on strengthened governance. On Governance spells out the meaning and the potential benefits of governance innovation for civil society and national policy makers. Building on the measured effects of policies in many dimensions of human existence, this book provides a guide to creating more positive outcomes for people everywhere.

186 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2014

About the author

Robert Irwin Rotberg is an American academic who served as President of the World Peace Foundation (1993–2010). A professor in governance and foreign affairs, he was director of the Program on Intrastate Conflict, Conflict Prevention, and Conflict Resolution at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government (1999–2010), and has served in administrative positions at Tufts University and Lafayette College.