The Paradox of Incorporation — A Theory of Contemporary State-Building
(Vortrag in englischer Sprache)
Contemporary state-building depends on the incremental evolution of the relationship between the state and non-state groups, but recent research ignores how the interaction of state
and non-state groups affects the evolution of both. One important reason for the durability of non-state groups is the »noncontractual elements of contract,« that is, the social factors that must be in place for political mechanisms to function. I argue that if the state ignores or merely tolerates non-state groups, non-state groups can actually be strengthened. Paradoxically, embracing non-state groups as part of the formal state can – in some circumstances – both strengthen the formal state, and weaken the non-state group, because (1) the state can borrow the legitimacy of the non-state group and use it to create conditions for economic development which weakens constituents’ material dependence on non-state groups, and (2) becoming too close to the state can undermine non-state actors‘ legitimacy. The theory is illustrated with primary research on Somaliland and secondary research on other contexts of both successful and failed hybrid governance.
Grußwort: Senator Dr. Carsten Brosda, Behörde für Kultur und Medien der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg
Begrüßung und Laudatio: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Knöbl, Direktor des Hamburger Instituts für Sozialforschung
Im Oktober erscheint Monica Prasads Buch Im Land des Überflusses. Reichtum und das Paradox der Armut in den USA in unserem Verlag Hamburger Edition.