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Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics

Publication ,  Journal Article
Grant, RW; Keohane, RO
Published in: American Political Science Review
February 1, 2005

Debates about globalization have centered on calls to improve accountability to limit abuses of power in world politics. How should we think about global accountability in the absence of global democracy? Who should hold whom to account and according to what standards? Thinking clearly about these questions requires recognizing a distinction, evident in theories of accountability at the nation-state level, between "participation" and "delegation" models of accountability. The distinction helps to explain why accountability is so problematic at the global level and to clarify alternative possibilities for pragmatic improvements in accountability mechanisms globally. We identify seven types of accountability mechanisms and consider their applicability to states, NGOs, multilateral organizations, multinational corporations, and transgovernmental networks. By disaggregating the problem in this way, we hope to identify opportunities for improving protections against abuses of power at the global level.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

American Political Science Review

DOI

EISSN

1537-5943

ISSN

0003-0554

Publication Date

February 1, 2005

Volume

99

Issue

1

Start / End Page

29 / 43

Related Subject Headings

  • Political Science & Public Administration
  • 4408 Political science
  • 1606 Political Science
 

Citation

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ICMJE
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Grant, R. W., & Keohane, R. O. (2005). Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics. American Political Science Review, 99(1), 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055405051476
Grant, R. W., and R. O. Keohane. “Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics.” American Political Science Review 99, no. 1 (February 1, 2005): 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055405051476.
Grant RW, Keohane RO. Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics. American Political Science Review. 2005 Feb 1;99(1):29–43.
Grant, R. W., and R. O. Keohane. “Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics.” American Political Science Review, vol. 99, no. 1, Feb. 2005, pp. 29–43. Scopus, doi:10.1017/S0003055405051476.
Grant RW, Keohane RO. Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics. American Political Science Review. 2005 Feb 1;99(1):29–43.
Journal cover image

Published In

American Political Science Review

DOI

EISSN

1537-5943

ISSN

0003-0554

Publication Date

February 1, 2005

Volume

99

Issue

1

Start / End Page

29 / 43

Related Subject Headings

  • Political Science & Public Administration
  • 4408 Political science
  • 1606 Political Science