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Representation and Governance in International Organizations

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  • David P. Rapkin

    (Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska, USA)

  • Jonathan R. Strand

    (Department of Political Science, University of Nevada, USA)

  • Michael W. Trevathan

    (Department of Political Science, University of Nevada, USA)

Abstract

What does representation mean when applied to international organizations? While many scholars working on normative questions related to global governance often make use of the concept of representation, few have addressed specifics of applying the concept to the rules and practices by which IOs operate. This article examines representation as a fundamental, albeit often neglected, norm of governance which, if perceived to be deficient or unfair, can interfere with other components of governance, as well as with performance of an organization’s core tasks by undermining legitimacy. We argue that the concept of representation has been neglected in the ongoing debates about good governance and democratic deficits within IOs. We aim to correct this by drawing on insights from normative political theory considerations of representation. The article then applies theoretical aspects of representation to the governance of the International Monetary Fund. We determine that subjecting IOs to this kind of conceptual scrutiny highlights important deficiencies in representational practices in global politics. Finally, our conclusion argues scholars of global governance need to address the normative and empirical implications of conceptualizing representation at the supranational level.

Suggested Citation

  • David P. Rapkin & Jonathan R. Strand & Michael W. Trevathan, 2016. "Representation and Governance in International Organizations," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(3), pages 77-89.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v:4:y:2016:i:3:p:77-89
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Russell Alan Williams & Reeta Chowdhari Tremblay, 2016. "Norms, Institutions and Governance in an Era of Uncertainty: Connecting the Disparate Scholarship," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(3), pages 1-4.
    2. Parizek, Michal & Stephen, Matthew D., 2021. "The Increasing Representativeness of International Organizations’ Secretariats: Evidence from the United Nations System, 1997–2015," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 65(1), pages 197-209.

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