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Institutional Transformations of Global Governance – Key Challenges for International Organisations

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Listed:
  • Jordana, Jacint
  • Holesch, Adam
  • Schmitt, Lewin
  • Roger, Charles
  • Tokhi, Alexandros
  • Otteburn, Kari
  • Saz-Carranza, Angel
  • Vandendriessche, Marie
  • Zürn, Michael
  • Coen, David
  • Levi-Faur, David
  • Marx, Axel

Abstract

This article examines the evolving institutional challenges of global governance by analyzing four key sectors: trade, security, environment, and finance. Recent transformations have increased their complexity and fragmentation in these sectors, challenging the traditional dominance of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). Based on the findings of the H2020 GLOBE project and a survey of 1,004 IGO staff, we discuss four major cross-sectoral challenges: decision-making gridlocks, organizational inefficiencies, weak institutional autonomy, and operational difficulties. Sectoral differences highlight the need for adaptive governance strategies, as a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. While IGO staff remain optimistic about their organizations’ ability to adapt, our study underscores the importance of reinforcing IGOs' in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Jordana, Jacint & Holesch, Adam & Schmitt, Lewin & Roger, Charles & Tokhi, Alexandros & Otteburn, Kari & Saz-Carranza, Angel & Vandendriessche, Marie & Zürn, Michael & Coen, David & Levi-Faur, David &, 2024. "Institutional Transformations of Global Governance – Key Challenges for International Organisations," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 6(3), pages 1-20.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:318272
    DOI: 10.4000/13gfw
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Coen, David & Kreienkamp, Julia & Tokhi, Alexandros & Pegram, Tom, 2022. "Making global public policy work: A survey of international organization effectiveness," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 13(5), pages 656-668.
    5. Lall, Ranjit, 2017. "Beyond Institutional Design: Explaining the Performance of International Organizations," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(2), pages 245-280, April.
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    8. Angel Saz‐Carranza & Enrique Rueda‐Sabater & Marie Vandendriessche & Carlota Moreno & Jacint Jordana, 2024. "The future(s) of global governance: A scenarios exercise," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(1), pages 149-165, February.
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