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Indicators as a Technology of Global Governance

Bibliographic Data

ID4085544
AuthorsKevin E Davis (0000-0002-9278-6439), Benedict Kingsbury, Sally Engle Merry (0000-0001-5872-9898)
Year2012
Volume46
Issue1
Pages71-104
Publication date2012-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLaw & Society Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0023-9216 • E-ISSN: 1540-5893
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/j.1540-5893.2012.00473.x
OpenAlexW2320710079
LanguageEN
Citations received152
References cited53

The use of indicators is a prominent feature of contemporary global governance. Indicators are used to compare and rank states for purposes as varied as deciding how to allocate foreign aid or investment and determining whether states have complied with their treaty obligations. This article defines the concept of an indicator, analyzes distinctive features of indicators as technologies of governance, and identifies various ways in which the use of indicators has the potential to alter the topology and dynamics of global governance. Particular attention is paid to how indicators can affect processes of standard setting, decisionmaking, and contestation in global governance. The World Bank Doing Business indicators and the United Nations Human Development Index are analyzed as case studies

Business · Corporate governance · Economic system · Economics · Foreign direct investment · Global governance · Investment (military · Performance indicator · Political science · Rank (graph theory · Regional science · Sociology · Treaty · Accounting · Finance · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · Human Rights and Development · International Development and Aid · Law · Marketing · Mathematics

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Unique citing works152
Citations per year10,86
Citation span2012 - 2026 (15)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 150

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