Publications - MPIfG

interested in the problem-solving capacity of modern societies, we look at it within
the context of historical conditions which
– limit the effectiveness of merely national solutions,
– increase the importance of public and private transnational and supranational
governance, and
– increase the importance of interaction effects between national systems of
governance.
Against this background, the research program emphasizes three types of studies:
1. International and intersectoral comparisons of the
functioning of national systems of governance and
their response to changed external conditions. In internationally
comparative studies, we try to find
out whether national systems that used to be different
from one another are in the process of converging
into a uniform (or, at least, more uniform)
pattern, or whether exogenously induced change
leads to new, but still nationally different (and in
this sense “path dependent”) institutional configurations.
Are these configurations functional equivalents
with no effect on international competitiveness?
Or are they assets, or liabilities? Intersectoral
comparisons focus on the differences between sectors
exposed to international competition and sectors
that continue to be “protected,” as well as on
the interactions between these sectors.
New MPIfG building at
Paulstrasse 3, Cologne
In each dimension we analyze whether, how and to what extent different
functions and structures of governance may be affected by external change. For
example, one may hypothesize that today’s transformation of national regimes
weakens primarily their redistributive and market-correcting capacities. There
are also signs that more intense international competition has a particularly
negative effect on the performance of sectoral self-organization. This might
increase the relative importance of state regulation, albeit at a generally reduced
level of intervention and within the limits drawn by international regime
competition.
2. The operation, performance and democratic legitimacy of transnational and
supranational governance systems, with a special emphasis on the European
Union. Even though they are reducing national capacities to act, such systems
are also supposed to perform governance functions the national level can no
longer handle effectively. Here, too, we can build on work from our first program
period.
Problems of interest intermediation are of particular interest at this level. As
long as the “democratic deficit” of transnational institutions impedes progress
Project Areas and Research Projects
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