Full Description
Governing Complexity in the 21st Century surveys the ways in which social systems are becoming more complex. It shows how this complexity impacts every aspect of life for individuals, governments and societies in most social systems at individual, regional, national and global scales and explores how embracing 'complexity thinking' can greatly improve the art of governance in all policy areas.
The book clearly explains the ideas and methods of complexity science—widely accepted in both the natural and social sciences—then demonstrates how 'complexity thinking' can be applied to improve our understanding of governance and policy actions. Providing a deep analysis of many governance challenges, including economic development and technological innovation, environment management, climate change and development in the Middle East, the book also compares national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clear and jargon-free, this book is accessible to undergraduates and scholars alike. It is essential reading for policymakers everywhere, showcasing methods for governing effectively and efficiently in our increasingly complex world. It brings together the broad range of social and environmental science fields and will be useful for those studying or working in policy, politics and international relations, environmental issues, business management, philosophy, history and sociology.
Contents
Introduction: From simplicity to complexity Neil E. Harrison and Robert Geyer
1. From order to complexity: The natural and social sciences Robert Geyer and Neil E. Harrison
2. From order to complexity in policy and governance Robert Geyer and Neil E. Harrison
3. Challenges to complexity, pragmatism and the case of Brexit Robert Geyer and Neil E. Harrison
4. History, complexity and governance Jude Rowley, Robert Geyer and Neil E. Harrison
5. Health, complexity and governance: The case of the COVID-19 pandemic Robert Geyer and Neil E. Harrison
6. Governance in development: The case of Middle East and North Africa Samir Rihani
7. Governing economy Neil E. Harrison and Robert Geyer
8. Governing earth: The importance of the local Neil E. Harrison and Robert Geyer
9. Governing global politics Neil E. Harrison and Robert Geyer
10. Conclusion Neil E. Harrison and Robert Geyer
