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 "politics-policy" 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.