Governance in a fragmenting world

The international rules-based order is under threat like never before, not only from authoritarian challengers but increasingly from major powers willing to disregard international norms and institutions in pursuit of their own interests.

For decades, incorporation into the global order was used as an incentive for governance and economic reform across developing and emerging economies. As that order fragments, and major powers can no longer credibly present themselves as rule-following.

New forms of geopolitical bargaining, competition, and deal-making are emerging between domestic ruling coalitions and competing global powers. Intensifying competition over technology, security, and economic influence is further reshaping incentives to comply with international rules and institutions.

This event will explore what these shifts mean for governance, accountability and anti-corruption reform: How can smaller states navigate an increasingly unstable international environment while still supporting domestic rule of law and institutional development?

Speaker line up coming soon!

This public event is part of a two-day conference co-hosted by SOAS Anti-Corruption Evidence and the Institute for New Economic Thinking.