World Bank annual conference on development economics 1991

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine the possible role of external agencies in promoting good governance. To achieve this objective, it is first necessary to clarify what we mean by the term 'good governance', recognizing that the concept is a highly complex one and is surrounded by intense controversy. The paper also attempts to clarify the basis for external agencies to intervene in such a politically sensitive area as governance. The paper is intended as a contribution to the debate on the possible efficacies and modalities of different external interventions; there is no a prior presumption that such interventions are either desirable or effective.