Good Governance in Network Society: Reconfiguring the Political from Politics to Policy

Abstract

This paper critically assesses the implications of the "good governance" program and its underpinning network approach to public governance-that is, the increased reliance on more or less informal networks as a way to mobilize and engage citizens, firms, and organizations in the development, implementation, and monitoring of public policy. We begin by positioning the network approach to public governance within the broader notion of an emerging network society. Second, we present the claim that, on a systemic level, the result of the network paradigm and good governance as a reorientation of the political system from "politicspolicy" to "policy-politics." Third, we highlight the normatively ambiguous nature of the network paradigm and good governance, based on a discussion of the two major critical positions: governmentality studies and critical theory. Finally, we suggest some initial guidelines on how to pursue a theory of ethical political action within the parameters of the network paradigm. Good GovERNANCE oN tHE RiSEThe basic purpose of this paper is to trace the transformation of the political system brought about by the emergence of control society and the development of good governance as a constitutive paradigm of political organization and administrative practice. The term good governance not only refers to the programs of proper political organization and suitable policies so named and vigorously pursued by international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations (UN),

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