ABSTRACT
The relationship between governments and higher education institutions continue to be of major significance in the evolution of higher education and its governance. The chapter discusses six different systems, their historical origins, and current practices. Among the European countries, it examines the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, since they typify different ways in which higher education is organized in Europe. Although countries are at different stages and speeds of development and it is difficult to generalize, there are patterns and trends in higher education and in the way governance is being organized in East Asian countries. Thus, from among the East Asian countries, the chapter discusses Japan and China. Along with these systems, it examines the United States largely because of its size, complexity, and perceived success. Examining the histories and traditions of higher education systems in these countries allows comparisons between the past and the present. It also allows contemporary higher education governance, specifically state-university relations, to be contextualized.
