Governance Beyond the State

This course highlights the role of non-state actors in governing society. It aims to uncover their power, interests and strategies, and in doing so, seeks to understand how they influence governance outcomes. Using real-world examples, students will critically consider the following questions: are corporations the most powerful non-state actors in society, and do their interests dictate governance outcomes? What role do a host of other actors play, including environmental organisations, industry groups, religious organisations and broader social movements? Drawing on insights from political science, sociology, business and management studies and regulatory governance scholarship, this course examines the complex relationships between state and non-state actors, including the growing role that non-state actors play as agents for the state. These issues will be explored across the domains of climate change, energy, health, justice, migration, natural resources, security and technology, among others. This course will be particularly valuable to policymakers, public interest advocates and professionals interested in stakeholder engagement and management.