Challenges to governance

Research Network on Catalytic Imagery for governance in impossible situations (Part #2)

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It is unnecessary to comment on the range and complexity of interacting problems to which goverance is called to respond. Such challenges to governance are particulary acute when a delicate balance must be discovered between two (or more) highly incompatible priorities, with their associated factions and vested interests. Conventional wisdom provides little guidance when consensus can only be achieved by neglecting minority, less empowered, or longer-term perspectives. There is relatively little insight available into the nature of the "complex bargain" which needs to be struck under such circumstances.

Examples of such situations are: sustainable development (reconciling environmental and developmental perspectives); regional geopolitical integration (Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa); and the appropriate (con)federal form for certain states (USSR, Canada). It may also be seen in the complex balance called for between competing cultures, languages and religions, especially where minorities are threatened (Northern Ireland). The approach to the reunification of divided countries offers further examples (China, Korea, Cyprus). Similar challenges are currently faced in envisaging the future structure of certain major institutions (United Nations system, EEC).

The most striking examples are those associated with Israel and Yugoslavia. In both the range of options discussed is extremely limited. This is a demonstration of the failure of imagination when locked into verbal and text expression.

These challenges are both explicit and implicit in such recent documents as the:

• Our Common Future (World Commission on Environment and Development)
• The Challenge to the South (South Commission)
• Common Responsibility in the 1990s (Stockholm Initiative follow-up to the Brandt Report)
• Caring for the Earth; a strategy for sustainable living (IUCN/UNEP/WWF)
• Beyond Interdependence (Trilateral Commission)
• The First Global Revolution (Club of Rome)