Introduction : governance and development

This volume begins by summarizing the major conceptual, methodological and policy criticisms of the 'good governance' advocacy discourse that has become extremely influential in the economic development literature in recent decades. It revisits the governance conditions which have been conducive to and supportive of accelerations in economic development, suggesting that what may seem like 'poor governance' may actually reflect prioritized, pragmatic and possibly effective efforts to overcome developmental bottlenecks. The volume ends by pointing the way to a 'developmental governance' reform agenda which may be much more relevant to and suitable for developing countries seeking to accelerate economic growth and structural transformation.