In the past two decades, governance theories have arisen semi-independently across multiple disciplines. By reviewing key theoretical concepts, the Handbook provides a basic conceptual toolkit for analyzing contemporary governance and offers important insights into how governance research contributes to social science theory development.

Contents: Introduction: Theories of Governance Christopher Ansell and Jacob Torfing PART I THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF GOVERNANCE 1. Collective Action Theory Robert Holahan and Mark Lubell 2. Organization Theory Morten Egeberg, Åse Gornitzka and Jarle Trondal 3. Public Management Theory Zoe Radnor, Stephen Osborne and Russ Glennon 4. Planning Theory Thomas Hartmann and Stan Geertman 5. State Theory Bob Jessop 6. Democratic Theory Andreas Klinke 7. Public Law and Regulatory Theory Shauhin Talesh 8. Development Theory Jennifer N. Brass 9. International Relations Theory Kerstin Sahlin PART II BASIC THEORETICAL CONCEPTS 10. Heterarchy Karen Stephenson 11. Network Patrick Kenis 12. Public Participation Kathryn S. Quick and John M. Bryson 13. Representation Lucy Taylor 14. Deliberation Per Ola Öberg 15. Power Mark Haugaard 16. Legitimacy Sylvia I. Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen 17. Accountability Yannis Papadopoulos 18. Transparency Jenny de Fine Licht and Daniel Naurin 19. Learning Tanya Heikkila and Andrea K. Gerlak 20. Innovation Jean Hartley and Jacob Torfing 21. Risk Ortwin Renn and Andreas Klinke 22. Steering Renate Mayntz 23. Soft and Hard Governing Tools Paula Blomqvist PART III THEORETICAL MODES OF ANALYSIS 24. Information-based Governance Theory Graham Bullock 25. Discourse Theory Steven Griggs and David Howarth 26. Institutional Theory B. Guy Peters 27. Public Choice Theory Lina Ericksson 28. Economic Theory Klaus Nielsen 29. Governmentality Peter Triantafillou 30. Complexity Theory and Systems Analysis Christopher Koliba, Lasse Gerrits, Mary Lee Rhodes and Jack W. Meek 31. Narrative and Interpretative Theory Nick Turnbull 32. Pragmatism Christopher Ansell 33. Normative Theory Jurian Edelenbos and Ingmar van Meerkerk PART IV FORMS OF GOVERNANCE 34. Democratic Network Governance Eva Sørensen 35. Regulatory Governance John Yasuda 36. Network Governance Robyn Keast 37. Collaborative Governance Alison Gash 38. Private Governance Marija Isailovic and Philipp Pattberg 39. Urban and Regional Governance Jon Pierre 40. Multi-level Governance Ian Bach, Ian Bartle and Matthew Flinders 41. EU and Supranational Governance Diana Panke and Miguel Haubrich-Seco 42. Transnational Economic Governance Walter Mattli and Jack Seddon 43. Metagovernance Jacob Torfing 44. Adaptive Governance Toddi Steelman Epilogue: The Current Status and Future Development of Governance Theories Christopher Ansell and Jacob Torfing Index

'Governance is everywhere in academic research. Students and faculty alike are confronted with so many competing theories, so many definitions. The Handbook on Theories of Governance brings order to the discord of voices and hope to those in despair, marshalling a galaxy of academic talent to provide authoritative surveys. We are all truly grateful.' --R.A.W. Rhodes, University of Southampton, UK'At the moment when governance has become the dominant mode in Public Administration, this excellent book that elaborates all aspects of governance comes at the opportune time.' --Erik-Hans Klijn, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands