Polycentric Governance

Definition

Nested decision-making structures where choices happen at the scale of their impact. Neither centralized control nor anarchic fragmentation, but overlapping centers of authority each governing at their appropriate scope.

Significance

Most governance failures stem from scale mismatch — decisions made too far from their consequences (centralization) or too fragmented to coordinate (atomization). Polycentric governance places decision-making authority at the level where the information exists and the consequences are felt.

Core Principles

• Subsidiarity — Decisions at the lowest effective level
• Overlap — Multiple governance centers with distinct but intersecting domains
• Emergence — Higher-order coordination emerges from local interactions
• Accountability — Decision-makers face consequences of their choices

Related Concepts

• Bioregionalism — Ecological units of governance
• Commons Governance — Shared resource management
• Cosmolocalism — Local sovereignty, global knowledge

References

• Elinor Ostrom, Governing the Commons (1990)
• Vincent Ostrom, Charles Tiebout, & Robert Warren, “The Organization of Government in Metropolitan Areas” (1961)