The main goals of the Centre for Public Authority and International Development (CPAID) are to promote new ways of thinking about public authority, to investigate how governance and public service provision in fragile contexts actually function on the ground, and to help translate the findings into more effective policy responses. Taking the perspective of the everyday lived realities of ordinary people, CPAID seeks to move away from the assumption that only Western-style formal state institutions can provide the structures necessary for thriving economic and social life. Instead, researchers will use the concept of public authority to investigate the roles played by a multitude of actors and institutions – including governments, clans, religious institutions, aid agencies, civil society organisations, rebel militias and vigilante groups – in shaping the political orders that make mutuality and economic activity possible in conflict-affected areas.

Funded by: Economic and Social Research Council (UK)

Staff involved: Esther Marijnen; Koen Vlassenroot

Website: link