Preface

Over the past few decades, four transformations – globalization, democratization, information and communication technologies, and the end of Soviet-style centralized planning – have had major impacts on the expectations of citizens and the roles of the state. Democratization and increased access to information led to greater demands on the state to deliver services. Many states around the world have been under tremendous stress to meet the rising expectations of citizens. One consequence of the shortfall in the capacity of governments to provide adequate economic opportunities, skills, and access to services has been declining citizen trust in government institutions dealing with representation, law and order, and economic management.

Related Subject(s): Democracy and Governance