Globalization and Governance research network* presents:

CALL FOR PAPERS

Globalization, public policy and multi-jurisdictional governance

-The Need for a Common Approach-

Paris-Dauphine University

September 21-22, 2006

Full paper submission deadline: April 15, 2006
(only electronic -.doc or .pdf submissions to siroen@dauphine.fr)

The authors will be notified no later than 30/06/2006 whether their papers have been accepted

The well-established governmental framework based on a quasi-monopoly of the Nation-State in the determination of public policy has been largely challenged by the contemporary globalization process. In recent decades, public policy has been spread to other forms of jurisdictions both at lower and higher levels of decision. New actors have emerged, faced with challenges raised by economic integration and higher degrees of interdependence.

To what extent have these "centrifugal forces" been induced by globalization? What are the new issues raised by this re-organization of public area? How can this broad and sometimes confusing concept of governance be approached in this context? The conference will be organized around three main topics:

1. Globalisation and “vertical” redistribution of public tasks

Public decision is no longer entirely concentrated in the hands of Nation-States and is now increasingly dispersed among other forms of government and organizations. This mechanism is two-fold: on the one hand, there is a trend toward more federalism (or decentralization) and a greater number of independent countries, but on the other hand increasing coordination among countries has led to the provision of public goods at supra-national level (such as regional or international organizations). What is the linkage between these two mechanisms? How can it be related to higher degrees of economic integration?

2. New issues of public governance in a globalized world

Prior to the waves of globalization, national government objectives were defined in an environment that was quite predictable. Dispersion of public decision and increasing economic openness have dramatically complicated the definition of "good governance". New issues have emerged, such as the establishment of a sound legal system, the development of democracy, the struggle against corruption, poverty, or the concern with sustainable development.

3. Globalization and new actors of public governance

Trying to cope with these new issues, national governments are challenged by non-official actors. These new actors take charge of various public functions traditionally held by states. Specific public goods are supplied by NGOs to local or transnational communities. Public regulations as well as standardization rules are shaped by multinational companies. Besides, partly in response to governments' failures, more informal and sometimes illegal organizations compete with official structures. What role has globalization played in the emergence of these new actors? How, in return, do these actors affect the dispersion of global governance and the globalization process?

*Globalization and Governance is a multi-disciplinary research network, run by economists and political scientists dedicated to provide a new perspective on the globalisation process (www.dauphine.fr/globalisation).