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Multisectoral Networks in Global Governance: Towards a Pluralistic System of Accountability1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2014

Thorsten Benner ,
Wolfgang H. Reinicke  and
Jan Martin Witte
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Abstract

This paper outlines the elements of a pluralistic system of accountability with regard to one of the most ambitious institutional innovations in global governance: multisectoral public policy networks. These networks bring together the public sector (governments and international organizations), civil society and business around issues ranging from corruption, climate change and fighting malaria to environmental and labour standards. We argue that multisectoral networks should be embedded in a pluralistic system of accountability making use of a combination of accountability mechanisms on a number of dimensions (actors, process, outcomes). The paper discusses some of the key conceptual, empirical and practical challenges of a ‘learning model’ of accountability in networks.

Type
Articles
Information
Government and Opposition , Volume 39 , Issue 2 , 2004 , pp. 191 - 210
Copyright
Copyright © Government and Opposition Ltd 2004

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Footnotes

1

This paper presents the first results of an ongoing research project on ‘Exploring and Analysing the Role of Accountability in Global Governance’ undertaken by the Global Public Policy Institute. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support provided by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.

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