The state is no longer the sole player in public action: it is now obliged to interact with civil society, the private sector and populations. This transition from "government" (a state monopoly) to "public governance" (public action with a plurality of actors) implies a certain repositioning. It is in the new relationship between the state and societies that the exercise of political power is called upon to find coherence and to restructure the legitimacy of the state. This diagnosis was the starting point for the reflections contained in this work. From the standpoint of legitimacy, the authors of this book have studied a series of experiences and practices, both in various countries around the world and within different international organisations. They offer a series of descriptive contributions designed to facilitate comprehension and analysis of the processes seeking to legitimise political power, according to a variety of contexts and the diversity of conceptions of power.

Beyond Origins challenges the common view of foundings as singular, extraordinary moments of political origin and creation. Engaging with cases of founding across political traditions -- from classical Greece to contemporary Latin America -- the book argues that it is only through pragmatist understandings of democratic origins that we can realize the potential for radical democratic change.

Little over 200 years ago, a quarter of a century of warfare with an 'outlaw state' brought the great powers of Europe to their knees. That state was the revolutionary democracy of France. Since then, there has been a remarkable transformation in the way democracy is understood and valued - today, it is the non-democractic states that are seen as rogue regimes. Now, Christopher Hobson explores democracy's remarkable rise from obscurity to centre stage in contemporary international relations.

Originally published: 1995. Paperback reissue, with a new preface by the author.

This book provides rigorous and provocative understanding of the art and practice of participatory budgeting for those interested in strengthening inclusive and accountable governance.

Written by two of the leading scholars in the field, this book explores public administration in the past, present and future, critically reviewing the modernization of public management reform. It reasserts public administration as an integral component of democratic governance and fostering a state-citizen relationship. Wide-ranging in scope, The Next Public Administration: Extends basic public administration to consider issues associated with management, governance and democracy Covers core public administration concepts and their evolution through time Draws on an international spread of examples, bringing theoretical discussions to life Includes lists of further reading Essential reading for students of public management and public administration.

Leading scholars discuss ideology and hotly contested post-structuralist theory.