The concept of good governance has been a long time discussed the concept of development cooperation. Almost every institution on the world level, like the World Bank or European Union, got its own definition, in which way this concept had to be converted into real politics.
It is widely believed that only with the implementation of good governance least developed stats are able to overcome poverty. And even the most paying states believed that LDC´s have to convert these concepts into real policy to overcoming poverty. But nobody, not the World Bank or the western governments could really give an answer, if this concept is really helpful in all its instances? In this work, I will try to collect some of the definitions of good governance. Because there are very different attributes, I like to compare them which each other, as good as it gets.
The concept of good governance is used in some many different ways that almost every political cooperation between the state, the society and the economy is somewhere touched be this concept.
And because of this, it is really difficult to find one satisfactory solution, which maybe defines the concept of good governance sufficient. My main question is: “What are the main characteristics of this concept and why does it find its place in almost every development cooperation between the western societies and the LDCs? “
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction.
- The concept of governance
- Governance in general
- The governance concept in origin
- Good governance
- The governance concept of the World Bank
- Systemic, political and administrative democratic good governance
- From the Washington Consensus to Post Washington Consensus
- Good governance principles of important international organizations
- The concept of the European Union
- Developing a concept.
- First time mention of good governance and its interpretation.
- Concretisation through the treaties of Lomé and Cotonou.
- The first step to another concept....
- A try to measure good governance.
- The concretization of democratic governance
- Summary and Critique
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to analyze the concept of good governance within the context of international development cooperation, particularly focusing on the European Union's approach. The paper seeks to explore the various definitions of good governance, its evolution over time, and its practical application in development aid programs.
- The multifaceted nature of the good governance concept and its various definitions.
- The historical development of the good governance concept and its emergence in international development discourse.
- The European Union's approach to good governance in its development cooperation programs, particularly in relation to Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
- The impact and effectiveness of good governance policies on development outcomes in LDCs.
- The challenges and limitations associated with implementing good governance principles in diverse contexts.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides an overview of the paper's objectives and research questions, highlighting the importance of good governance in development cooperation and the complexities surrounding its implementation.
Chapter 2 delves into the concept of governance, exploring its general definition and its historical evolution within the international development discourse. This chapter examines the origins of the governance concept and its role in shaping development policies.
Chapter 3 focuses on the specific concept of good governance, examining various definitions and interpretations from different international institutions, including the World Bank. This chapter also explores the transition from the Washington Consensus to the Post Washington Consensus and its implications for good governance.
Chapter 4 analyzes the European Union's approach to good governance, tracing its evolution through different treaties and development aid programs. The chapter examines how the EU's understanding of good governance has changed over time and how this has impacted its development cooperation with LDCs.
Chapter 5 presents a summary and critique of the findings, drawing conclusions about the effectiveness and limitations of good governance in development cooperation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Good governance, development cooperation, European Union, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), governance concept, World Bank, Washington Consensus, Post Washington Consensus, development aid, institutional reforms, structural adjustment programs, democratic governance, development outcomes.
What is the concept of "Good Governance" in development aid?
It refers to the implementation of democratic principles, administrative efficiency, and the rule of law within a state to effectively overcome poverty and manage resources.
How does the European Union define Good Governance?
The EU's approach has evolved through treaties like Lomé and Cotonou, focusing on democratic governance and measuring progress through specific criteria in its cooperation with LDCs.
Why is Good Governance important for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)?
Western governments and institutions like the World Bank believe that implementing these principles is essential for LDCs to achieve sustainable economic and social development.
What is the difference between the Washington and Post-Washington Consensus?
The paper explores the shift from purely market-oriented reforms (Washington) to a broader focus on institutional quality and social aspects (Post-Washington) in development policy.
Is Good Governance always helpful for LDCs?
The work critically examines whether these western-imposed concepts are always effective in diverse local contexts or if they face significant practical limitations.
What are the main characteristics of the Good Governance concept?
Key characteristics include transparency, accountability, participation, and the fight against corruption in the interaction between state, society, and economy.
