Empowering Citizen Participation

Abstract

The intensification and diversification of forms of interactive governance promises more effective and innovative policy making and implementation. As novel forms of governance emerge, transformations occur in the political division of labour between citizens, public authorities and other actors. But theories of democracy have not necessarily kept apace of these changes in governance. The aim of this panel is to offer critical reflections on the impact of forms of interactive governance on citizen empowerment. For some, these new forms of governance provide significant opportunities for meaningful engagement by citizens in the processes of governing; for others interactive governance entails increasing disengagement and disenfranchisement. The panel welcomes both theoretical and empirical contributions that further our understanding of the democratic effects of interactive governance.

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