Legitimacy

Legitimacy

The recognized right of an individual, institution, or action to exercise power. Citizens believe the state has the right to govern and depends on citizens’ beliefs. This encourages people to respect the state’s decisions and rules because they are believed to be fair, boosting the state’s ability to effectively manage economic and social development and maintain the stability and behavior of people.

Social Contract Theory

an agreement between the people of a society to abide by laws and accept punishments

Thomas Hobbes

believed that state of nature is one of war with no morality, where everyone lives in fear and is consequently not free. the purpose of gov. is to impose law & order to prevent war and are designed to control, not necessarily represent. gov.’s are designed to protect people from themselves.

John Locke

believed state of nature is not good nor bad, but chaotic. men live in perfect freedom, but give it up to secure the advantages of civilised society. the purpose of gov. is to secure natural right; property & liberty. representation ensures gov.’s are responsive to people and is used as a safeguard against oppression. gov.’s are designed to protect people from the gov. and natural rights must be secured.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

believed men are free & equal “Noble Savages” but have been corrupted by civilisation. gov’s are meant to bring people to harmony and unite under the “general Will”. representation is not enough because people can’t delegate civil duties. instead, citizens must be actively involved in a direct democracy to enact the general will. gov.’s must be responsive/aligned with the general will. people are what make a nation, not institutions. individual will is subordinate to collective will.

Traditional Authority (Max Weber)

power is legitimate because it has been long accepted.

Charismatic Authority (Max Weber)

legitimacy comes from a leader’s personality & ability to effectively lead.

Rational-Legal Authority (Max Weber)

power is legitimate because it is gained through a system that follows the rule of law.

Input Legitimacy

focuses on inclusive and participatory decision-making (e.g. free, fair elections).

Process Legitimacy

relates to the fairness and efficiency of the decision-making process (e.g. a court system demonstrates process legitimacy if it applies laws uniformly, without bias, and on time).

Output Legitimacy

centers on the effectiveness and outcomes of government actions (e.g. a public health policy gains output legitimacy if it successfully reduces disease and improves health outcomes.)

Top-Down Legitimacy

authority originates from a central authority and flows down to the population.

Bottom-Up Legitimacy

legitimacy arises from the participation of the people.

Democracy

the election process and constitution give the gov. legitimacy. the most accepted contemporary form of state legitimacy is some form of democracy or constitutionalism, whereby the governed have a defined and periodic opportunity to choose who governs and exercises power. 

Representative Democracy

can help a state gain legitimacy through regular, free, and fair elections allowing citizens to choose their representatives, accountability and responsiveness of elected officials, separation of powers among different branches of government, and the rule of law ensuring laws are equally created and enforced.

Authoritarianism

people may not have a say in who leads them. sometimes, these states are seen as having authority but not legitimacy, other times the people are still supportive of the state overall.

Monarchical Systems

legitimacy derives from lineage.

Role of Formal and Informal Political Forums and the Media

• Play a crucial role in the legitimation process.

• Stakeholders and actors in global politics.

• Leaders and states constantly use available resources to maintain the perceived legitimacy (e.g. media, taxation, infrastructure projects, and service provision).

• Media has a role in shaping people’s perceptions of issues in global politics.

• NGOs frequently judge Gov. legitimacy.

• States and international organizations make public declarations about the legitimacy and legality of violent extremist groups.

• Confidence-building measures (e.g. commitment to non-violence & peaceful dispute resolution) may give extremist groups legitimacy to take part in negotiations.

State legitimacy

achieved through recognition and acceptance of a state’s authority by its people. legitimacy is more than compliance; it involves a belief in the system’s potential for improvement and change. it is crucial for social order, trust in the system’s fairness and effectiveness, and maintaining societal norms, even during dissatisfaction.

Core Elements of Legitimacy

for legitimacy to exist, citizens must believe the state has the right to rule, and these beliefs must originate in social values. legitimacy determines how people behave toward the state, and legitimation is a constant process. leaders and the state continuously use available resources to maintain the perception of legitimacy through tools like media, taxation, infrastructure projects, and service provision.

Government Legitimacy

focuses on the acceptance of the current ruling government's right to exercise power within a state.

Interrelation of Sovereignty and Legitimacy

sovereignty, the supreme authority of a state, needs legitimacy to govern and enforce laws within its territory effectively. challenges to legitimacy can question a state's sovereignty.

History & Tradition (Sources of State Legitimacy)

set norms for what is acceptable (e.g. monarchies gain legitimacy from historical traditions and lineage).

Ideology (Sources of State Legitimacy)

citizens may support a leader/gov. that shares and upholds a common ideology.

Growth and Development (Sources of State Legitimacy)

e economic growth and development are often equated with competent leadership, enhancing legitimacy. governments that improve living standards reinforce their legitimacy.

Leadership, International Recognition, and Identity (Sources of State Legitimacy)

competent leadership, respected both domestically and internationally, is crucial for legitimacy. standing firm on certain issues can also build legitimacy. promoting cultural, linguistic, or shared national values can strengthen a government’s legitimacy.

Freedom and Fairness (Sources of State Legitimacy)

accountability and transparency are vital. gov.’s seen as fair and free from corruption are viewed as legitimate. free and fair elections are fundamental in democratic societies.

Order and Stability (Sources of State Legitimacy)

maintaining order and stability is essential, especially in volatile regions. aa government's ability to ensure peace and societal stability can earn it legitimacy.

Constitutions/Rule of Law (Sources of State Legitimacy)

adherence to constitutions and the rule of law are sources of legitimacy. constitutions define the laws for the three branches of government and ensure citizens' human rights.

Providing Basic Services (Sources of State Legitimacy)

providing essential services is a key source of legitimacy .

A Just/Moral Cause (Sources of State Legitimacy)

acting in accordance with what is perceived as a just or moral cause can enhance legitimacy.

Democracy (Sources of State Legitimacy)

democratic principles, such as free and fair elections, contribute to legitimacy.

Balance of Power (Sources of State Legitimacy)

a balance of power among the three branches of government is essential for legitimacy. 

Citizens Beliefs (Sources of State Legitimacy)

the belief of citizens that the state has the right to govern is critical. Citizens need to feel the government is competent and has the right to govern. 

Social Values (Sources of State Legitimacy)

legitimacy is rooted in social values, and how a state exercises power must align with societal norms. A state can lose legitimacy if it fails to align with these values. 

Impact on Behavior (Sources of State Legitimacy)

how people act toward their government reflects its legitimacy. Compliance and support indicate legitimacy, while perceived injustice can lead to protests or calls for change.

Maintaining Legitimacy

Constant Effort: ongoing effort requiring leaders to use various methods to sustain perceived legitimacy.

Tools for Legitimation: include media, infrastructure projects, tax policies, and social services. 

Coercive Power: can contribute to legitimacy if it is perceived as necessary to maintain order and enforce laws.

Legitimation Processes and Sources of Legitimacy

• Not permanently fixed for political actors, can be gained, strengthened, reduced, or lost. Depends on actions, interactions, and outcomes among different political actors and stakeholders. 

• Formal recognition processes can be established by an actor in an authority role ("top down").

• Political actors may use self-legitimation strategies.

• Organic recognition can be gained from stakeholders or audiences.

• De-legitimation strategies may be used by opposing or alternative political actors.

Political, Economic, and Social Instability (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

instability in these areas can significantly undermine a state's legitimacy. economic decline, social unrest, or political infighting can erode public confidence in the government's ability to rule effectively.

Inability to Govern Effectively (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

a government's failure to provide basic services, maintain law and order, or address pressing social issues can lead to a perception of incompetence and a loss of legitimacy. 

Inability to Ensure Well-Being of Citizens (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

when a government fails to protect its citizens from harm, provide for their basic needs, or ensure their overall welfare, it risks losing its legitimacy. 

Excessive Use of Force and Threats (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

the use of excessive force or intimidation tactics by a government can alienate the population and undermine its legitimacy. While coercive power can contribute to legitimacy if perceived as necessary to maintain order and protect citizens, excessive or arbitrary use of force can undermine legitimacy. 

Violence, Oppression, Human Rights Violations (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

systematic violence, oppression, and human rights violations are fundamental challenges to state legitimacy. Such actions can erode public trust and lead to widespread resistance. 

Influence or Interference from Other States (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

external actors can undermine a state's legitimacy by meddling in its internal affairs, supporting opposition groups, or imposing sanctions. 

Increased Global Interdependence (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

can pose challenges to state legitimacy. 

Supranationality (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

the rise of supranational organizations, such as the European Union, can challenge state sovereignty and legitimacy by transferring decision-making power to international bodies. 

Humanitarian Intervention (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

external intervention in a state, even for humanitarian reasons, can be seen as a violation of sovereignty and can undermine the legitimacy of the government. 

Indigenous National Claims (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

claims by indigenous groups for greater autonomy or self-determination can challenge the legitimacy of the state's authority over their territories. 

Transnational Cultural Groups (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

the presence of transnational cultural groups with distinct identities and loyalties can challenge the state's ability to create a unified national identity and maintain social cohesion. 

Nationalist Movements (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

separatist or nationalist movements seeking independence or greater autonomy can directly challenge the legitimacy of the state's territorial integrity.

Violent Non-State Actors (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

the presence of violent non-state actors, such as terrorist groups or insurgent movements, can undermine the state's monopoly on the use of force and challenge its ability to provide security.

Influence of Transnational Companies (TNCs) (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

the economic and political influence of TNCs can challenge the state's ability to regulate its economy and protect its citizens' interests. 

Inability to Govern Effectively (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

the inability to ensure the well-being of citizens is a challenge to state and government legitimacy. 

Poor Governance (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

a state's governance compared to its neighbors can weaken the perception of its legitimacy if citizens view their government as less effective. 

Lack of Recognition (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

a state can lose external legitimacy when major international actors or organizations don't recognize a state. This affects international trade and participation in global organizations, impacting the leaders' legitimacy. 

Sanctions (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

sanctions from the global community can undermine a state's leadership, especially when they highlight human rights violations or military aggression. These sanctions often lead to economic difficulties, decreasing the leadership's legitimacy. 

Crimes that Cross National Borders (Challenges to state and gov. legitimacy)

srimes that cross national borders, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling, can challenge a state's legitimacy, particularly if state officials are involved or the state cannot stop these activities. 

Sources of Legitimacy for Non-State Actors (NSAs)

• Representation- refers to how well NSAs reflect the interests of groups in society,

• Interaction- refers to how NSAs relate to other state and non-state actors. NGOs are often seen as legitimate depending on their fairness, lack of corruption, transparency and recognition by IGOs like the EU and UN. IGOs are seen as legitimate based on the treaties they are founded upon.

• Ability- encompasses the means that NSAs may have to exert influence. 

• Efficacy- refers to the extent to which NSAs can achieve their goals or intended outcomes.  Non-state actors can gain legitimacy through their track record of effectiveness in achieving goals. 

Insurgents or Social/Protest (Legitimacy for Specific Types of Non-State Actors)

• local support is key (e.g. shared beliefs, opposition to a mutual enemy, or services that the state does not offe)

• In regions where the state's influence is minimal, non-state actors that offer some level of governance can earn legitimacy. Their ability to keep order and manage areas, particularly by providing essential services like healthcare, education, or social welfare, contributes significantly to their legitimacy.

NGOs (Legitimacy for Specific Types of Non-State Actors)

gain legitimacy based on moral or ethical grounds. They can strengthen this legitimacy by being transparent and responsible in their operations, funding, and decision-making. Collaborations with other non- state actors, partnerships with global organizations like the United Nations, or support from major international donors also enhance their legitimacy. Successfully meeting their goals, whether in humanitarian aid or advocacy, boosts their credibility and legitimacy.

MNC's (Legitimacy for Specific Types of Non-State Actors)

economic power is a major source of legitimacy. This is particularly true in areas heavily dependent on foreign investment and the employment opportunities that corporations can brin

Coercive Power as Legitimacy

• Systemic Legitimacy: power is justified by the legitimacy of the existing system.

• Fairness and Reasonableness: Power is justified by convincing people of the fairness of laws and commands.

• Implicit Legitimacy: legitimacy is assumed based on people's compliance with laws and rules.

Democratic State

• has political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections.

• people actively participate, as citizens, in politics and civic life.

• protection of human rights of all citizens.

• a rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.

Fragile state

low-income country characterized by weak state capacity and/or weak state legitimacy leaving citizens vulnerable to a range of shocks.

Failed state

political body that has disintegrated to a point where a sovereign government's basic conditions and responsibilities no longer function properly. when a nation weakens and its standard of living declines, it introduces the possibility of total governmental collapse.

Authoritarian States

a political system concentrating power in the hands of a leader or a small elite that is not constitutionally responsible to the body of the people. leaders often exercise power arbitrarily and without regard to existing bodies of law, and they usually cannot be replaced by citizens choosing freely among various competitors in elections.

Unitary States

• Central gov. possesses most authority

• Uniformly applied

• Typically dictatorship/totalitarianism

• Power is centrally concentrated

• Central gov. makes major decisions

• Nation-state

• 3 organs of the state are governed as one single unit.

• Sub-governmental units can be created or abolished, and have their powers varied by the central gov.

• Works best with nationalist, culturally nondiverse countries

Federal States

• Gov. with strong central powers

• Allows much authority

• Multi-national state

• Diffused power

• Gives more power to local territories/ provinces to make rules/laws

• Within a basic federal political system, there are two or more levels of government that exist within an established territory and govern through common institutions with overlapping or shared powers as prescribed by a constitution

• Central authority overrides regional rules