Call for Papers: "Between politics and policies: Reform and Modernisation of the State"

This panel aims to discuss ideas about the relationship between political authority and institutionalisation in relation to processes of reform and modernisation of the State. In these ‘globalised’ times, a certain fragility of the State has become tangible and traditional bureaucratic models have been criticised due to their failure to respond to present challenges of innovation and competitiveness. There is unacceptable antagonism between dominant modes of social regulation and bureaucratic behaviour insofar as globalisation is sustained on alternative organisational designs that overcome possible national barriers. In that sense, public bureaucracy is a central element in functions aiming towards economic integration. This imperative of economic insertion has taken most Latin American governments on the path of economic, political and social re-structuring in order to align the role of government, State and public institutions with the new social discourse of globalisation. Therefore, a tendency towards revising and re-formulating the role of the State and public system is sustained on policies that tackle their positive impact on development. Conversely, increased responsibilities and accountability have increased the heterogeneity of issues faced by organisations and the State. By understanding and assuming policies that respond to demands of efficiency and modernisation, State institutions gain the necessary credibility to manage improvements and become active agents of change. However, reform and modernisation initiatives have proven to be controversial as in many cases the rhetoric of change is faced with politicised realities and agendas that make it challenging to accomplish institutionalisation. Brief abstracts (250-300 words) in English, Spanish or Portuguese should be sent to Jenny K Rodriguez at jenny.rodriguez@strath.ac.uk. The deadline for abstract submissions is 15 January 2010.