ABSTRACT
Contemporary history would attest to the importance of effective global governance for the good of any society. And it is widely supposed – by activists, officials and researchers alike – that, by engaging with civil society, the shortcomings of global regulatory institutions can be redressed. In particular, the participation of civil society would enhance the legitimacy of those agencies. It is believed that civil society involvement could inject values and voice that bolster the moral and democratic authority of global governance. In addition, civil society associations could – through the provision of vital information, insights and methods – enhance the technical performance of global governance agencies. Furthermore, civil society initiatives could promote the formalization of those global governance activities that have previously operated with little or no legal frameworks. Civil society associations could moreover support charismatic leaders for global governance, albeit hopefully executive heads who also follow a moral, democratic, competent and legal course.
