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12 - Governance through Global Goals

from Part III - Policy Responses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2020

By
Marjanneke J. Vijge ,
Frank Biermann ,
Rakhyun E. Kim ,
Maya Bogers ,
Melanie Van Driel ,
Francesco S. Montesano ,
Abbie Yunita  and
Norichika Kanie
Edited by
Frank Biermann  and
Rakhyun E. Kim
Frank Biermann
Affiliation:
Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands
Rakhyun E. Kim
Affiliation:
Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Summary

Governance through goals, a relatively new global governance mechanism, has recently gained prominence, particularly since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through this mechanism, internationally agreed policy goals orchestrate the activities of governmental and non-governmental actors. This chapter argues that governance through goals has important effects on governance architectures and their degree and type of fragmentation. To analyze these effects, we review literature around four characteristics of governance through goals: their non-legally binding nature, weak global institutional arrangements, inclusive goal-setting processes and national leeway. We argue that alternative forms of bindingness, such as reporting and accountability mechanisms, can steer actors toward a shared vision. This may result in synergistic fragmentation if broad support is obtained through inclusive processes. However, tensions and cherry-picking may arise when goals are prioritized and implemented. Further research on the effects of governance through goals is crucial given that it is likely to maintain – and gain – importance in earth system governance.

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goalsgovernance through goalsgovernance fragmentationinclusivenessnon-legally binding
Type
Chapter
Information
Architectures of Earth System Governance
Institutional Complexity and Structural Transformation
 , pp. 254 - 274
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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