Fragmentation
Elsässer, Joshua Philipp and Zelli, Fariborz LU
(2025)
p.44-46
- Abstract
- Fragmentation refers to the plurality and differences among institutions in the contemporary, decentralized global governance system. Global sustainability governance is a prime example for fragmentation: lacking a central authority, sustainability governance is addressed by myriad institutions across international, national, regional and local spheres. This creates opportunities for synergies but also risks of duplication and regulatory conflicts. Fragmented governance structures can foster innovative solutions and enable broad participation but can also lead to inefficiencies and power plays among institutions. While scholars have made strides in mapping and analysing fragmentation across various governance domains, challenges remain. We... (More)
- Fragmentation refers to the plurality and differences among institutions in the contemporary, decentralized global governance system. Global sustainability governance is a prime example for fragmentation: lacking a central authority, sustainability governance is addressed by myriad institutions across international, national, regional and local spheres. This creates opportunities for synergies but also risks of duplication and regulatory conflicts. Fragmented governance structures can foster innovative solutions and enable broad participation but can also lead to inefficiencies and power plays among institutions. While scholars have made strides in mapping and analysing fragmentation across various governance domains, challenges remain. We need to know more about how to harness the potential of fragmentation while managing its downsides – particularly with regard to issues of accountability, legitimacy, equity and justice. In practice, a proactive approach to fragmentation may thus foster more coherent and adaptable governance for dealing with complex and transboundary problems, such as sustainable development. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/f2b05fcb-5a5b-44ed-a29d-7011cf62dee8
- author
- Elsässer, Joshua Philipp
and Zelli, Fariborz
LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2025-07
- type
- Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
- publication status
- published
- subject
- host publication
- Essential Concepts for Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals : An A-Z Guide - An A-Z Guide
- pages
- 3 pages
- publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105016432242
- ISBN
- 9781040392454
- 9781032841694
- DOI
- 10.4324/9781003519560
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- f2b05fcb-5a5b-44ed-a29d-7011cf62dee8
- date added to LUP
- 2026-01-12 10:52:05
- date last changed
- 2026-01-26 12:15:57
@inbook{f2b05fcb-5a5b-44ed-a29d-7011cf62dee8,
abstract = {{Fragmentation refers to the plurality and differences among institutions in the contemporary, decentralized global governance system. Global sustainability governance is a prime example for fragmentation: lacking a central authority, sustainability governance is addressed by myriad institutions across international, national, regional and local spheres. This creates opportunities for synergies but also risks of duplication and regulatory conflicts. Fragmented governance structures can foster innovative solutions and enable broad participation but can also lead to inefficiencies and power plays among institutions. While scholars have made strides in mapping and analysing fragmentation across various governance domains, challenges remain. We need to know more about how to harness the potential of fragmentation while managing its downsides – particularly with regard to issues of accountability, legitimacy, equity and justice. In practice, a proactive approach to fragmentation may thus foster more coherent and adaptable governance for dealing with complex and transboundary problems, such as sustainable development.}},
author = {{Elsässer, Joshua Philipp and Zelli, Fariborz}},
booktitle = {{Essential Concepts for Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals : An A-Z Guide}},
isbn = {{9781040392454}},
language = {{eng}},
pages = {{44--46}},
publisher = {{Taylor & Francis}},
title = {{Fragmentation}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003519560}},
doi = {{10.4324/9781003519560}},
year = {{2025}},
}