National human rights institutions can be seen as a mechanism for conflict resolution. As guardians of rule of law institutions such as the Ombudsman are closely linked to peace and social stability. But the institution also embodies transnational policy ideas with underlying normative and causal beliefs. My paper analyses the global diffusion of Ombudsman and its relation to ideas of democratization, human rights and good governance. The Ombudsman institution has had a remarkable global history. This early 19th century Swedish institution of government control has, at least in name, spread to almost all corners of the world. The specific focus of the paper is on transnational policy ideas promoting and redefining Ombudsman institution. Identifying different phases in the global spreading of Ombudsman, my paper explores the evolution of a transnational policy script and related institutions that facilitate the diffusion. Also the role of policy discourses and indicators on good governance and human rights is analyzed.
