Governing for Sustainable Development: 21st Century Challenges and Principles

This textbook explores the meaning of good governance and sustainable development in the present-day context of a growing planetary crisis, socio-economic polarisation, and politicisation of knowledge.

Part 1 sets the stage by exploring theories of power, network governance, and global governance. Meri Juntti contrasts prevalent and emerging framings to arrive at a definition of sustainable development as a transformation encompassing the economic system, societal values, and the relationship of humanity with nature, and identifies distinct approaches and solutions for advancing this. Part 2 delves into the twin global issues of climate change and food security. Their drivers and manifestations are examined in detail and a range of governance responses – from global strategies and policies through to local-level case studies – are explored in the light of earlier theorisations. Part 3 focuses on lessons for good governance and sets out five key challenges that governance for sustainable development needs to negotiate, as well as the four principles that are central to its success. A concluding chapter considers what good governance for sustainable development could mean in practice.

Balancing theory with real-world examples, and featuring learning outcomes, further reading, and links to relevant media content, Governing for Sustainable Development will be a highly valuable resource for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of sustainable development, geography, public policy, politics, and international relations.