Challenges of Modern Governance Political Science 342 Douglas Brown January 2010

Three converging challenges Globalization Political Culture Changes New Public Management

Challenges to… The role of the state How society defines itself Thinking about politics as the interaction of state and society

Globalization Both a new and an old phenomenon Has economic, political and cultural aspects There’s a problem separating rhetoric from reality Is globalization always increasing, or can it shrink? Is Canada uniquely exposed to globalization ?

Defining Globalization Not new but intensifying… Internationalization Internationalization Liberalization Liberalization Universalization Universalization Westernization Westernization What is relatively new … “Deep integration” of markets “Deep integration” of markets External influence on all aspects of domestic policy External influence on all aspects of domestic policy Commitment of all major powers to concept Commitment of all major powers to concept

Economic globalization Increasing international trade in goods and services, increasing direct foreign investment Globally integrated production by transnational corporations Global capital market of much greater size and speed All of the above contribute to much greater private and public sector competition, in even the smallest of firms and markets

Globalization – Political and Cultural Aspects Intensifying of international governance WTO, regional trade agreements WTO, regional trade agreements United Nations agencies United Nations agencies Human rights movement Human rights movement Environmental agreements Environmental agreements Global markets for cultural products/ global diffusion of cultural and social trends Reaction: “Global Civil Society” and the anti- globalization movement

Rhetoric versus Reality How much is it neo-liberal ideology versus actual facts on the ground ? Globalization can be a form of determinism -- “end-of-ideology” Not the same intensity or impact everywhere Especially strong in Anglo world Especially strong in Anglo world Resisted in Russia, parts of Africa, Islamic countries, parts of Latin America Resisted in Russia, parts of Africa, Islamic countries, parts of Latin America

Canada and Globalization Strong exposure: Anglo culture Anglo culture North American setting North American setting trading nation trading nation Cause and effect: sorting out continental from global Social impacts: income polarization, de- industrialization?

Political Culture changes Post-material values Politics of identity and “recognition” The “rights” revolution Decline of deference Discontent with representative politics

Post-material values Placing value on equality, recognition (of identity), environment, rights Less emphasis on “bread and butter” concerns Stronger in those born after the 1960s, those with more education, and with new Canadians Taking a back seat now ( recession) to economic/material politics?

Politics of Identity and Recognition Differences matter, universalism not enough Feminism, sexual revolution, immigration, post-colonialism -- all contributing effects The state should reflect and encourage diversity, which can mean different treatment for different people But diverse treatment can provoke a conservative backlash

Canadian Identity Politics Quebec nationalism Quebec nationalism Aboriginal rights Aboriginal rights Multiculturalism Multiculturalism Womens’ movement Womens’ movement Rights of disabled Rights of disabled Gay, Lesbian and other sexual orientation identification Gay, Lesbian and other sexual orientation identification

Other political culture changes Decline of deference….distrust of elite accommodation, desire for more diverse and more direct representation, more open, accountable and participatory government Is it having lasting effect?

New Public Management Reaction to fiscal crisis of the 1980s Reaction to bureaucratic excess An International trend with three main goals: Greater strategic oversight of government by elected officials Greater strategic oversight of government by elected officials More accountability for what is done in government, according to pre-set objectives More accountability for what is done in government, according to pre-set objectives More competition in the provision of public goods and services More competition in the provision of public goods and services

Examples of NPM…1 “Steering, not rowing” in terms of overall approach Devolution & deregulation of operations Managerial contracts Results-based accountability Performance measurement Program review and expenditure restraint

Examples of NPM …2 Special Operating Agencies Out-sourcing Commercialization and privatization Internal markets Partnerships with civil society organizations, as well as business

NPM: Limits to reform and next steps Most social and economic policy and programs transformed Some shrinking back from excessive market approaches International movement somewhat discredited by association with “Washington consensus” and fallout of 2008 financial crisis. Continued need to “do more with less” Continued need to engage citizens, partner with civil society

Conclusions Three trends: globalization, political culture, new public management Some convergence in root causes (e.g. forms of liberal ideas) Definite similarities in how the ideas are spread and their impact on Canada All three at once: present a significant challenge to policy-makers