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Conclusion: Governing Under the Condition of Complexity

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Configurations, Dynamics and Mechanisms of Multilevel Governance

Part of the book series: Comparative Territorial Politics ((COMPTPOL))

Abstract

This chapter draws conclusions from what we have learned from research on multilevel governance. Starting from the institutional constraints caused by multiple linkages between levels of government and administration, executive-parliament relations and policy sectors, it will discuss the various ways actors can deal with these constraints. Some of the strategies aimed at avoiding conflicts or vetoes have negative effects for effectiveness or democratic legitimacy, while others, taking advantage of the institutional diversity and dynamics, facilitate reducing these consequences. Therefore, complexity of governance constrains and enables policy-making in a particular way, as is expected from liberal and democratic government. Managing this dilemma requires flexible structures and strategic actors. The resulting dynamics of MLG can either destabilize or restore a balance of power. While comparative research has discovered various patterns of coordination and policy-making in MLG and considered dynamics, there is still the need to refine the analytical categories and apply them in empirical research in order to better understand the mechanisms and conditions which make governance work in multilevel structures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Political Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

    Arthur Benz

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  1. Arthur Benz
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Correspondence to Arthur Benz .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Political Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

    Nathalie Behnke

  2. Department of Political Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada

    Jörg Broschek

  3. Institute for Political Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

    Jared Sonnicksen

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Benz, A. (2019). Conclusion: Governing Under the Condition of Complexity. In: Behnke, N., Broschek, J., Sonnicksen, J. (eds) Configurations, Dynamics and Mechanisms of Multilevel Governance. Comparative Territorial Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05511-0_21

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