overnance is transcending traditional boundaries. Historically dominated by nation states and intergovernmental institutions, today’s governance landscape increasingly includes corporations, civil society, and multi–stakeholder coalitions—reshaping policy, innovation, and the very practice of international relations.
Where will this hybridized form of governance lead us? Will it foster inclusive and responsive systems, or will it devolve into fragmented agendas marked by inefficiency?
Recent examples are mixed. The Covid vaccine rollout showed immense potential: collaboration among governments, corporations, research institutes, and NGOs resulted in over 13 billion vaccine doses distributed globally by early 2024 (WHO). That success is tempered by persisting and stark disparities; vaccination coverage exceeded 80% in high–income countries but under 30% in many lower–income countries.
Digital governance also highlights hybrid governance's mixed outcomes. Initiatives like the Internet Governance Forum attract diverse stakeholders but often struggle with cohesive, enforceable policies. Those policies are critical, today; Access Now reported that over 65 countries imposed internet shutdowns or restrictions in 2023.
Ensuring hybrid governance delivers effectively requires innovative mechanisms.. A Global Hybrid Governance Index (GHGI) could be designed to transparently evaluate governance initiatives based on inclusivity, accountability, coherence, and effectiveness—driving continuous improvement and trust.
Cities lead the way, employing participatory budgeting, digital citizen assemblies, and blockchain–powered services. Barcelona’s "Decidim" engaged over 400,000 residents in governance decisions in 2023 alone. Globally, COP climate summits reveal ambitious targets yet persistent implementation gaps, underlining the importance of systemic coherence.
Emerging technologies like AI add further complexity. Responsible AI can enhance transparency, diplomatic dialogue, and stakeholder coordination. Conversely, unchecked AI risks exacerbating governance fragmentation and inequalities.
Strategically harnessing hybrid governance through interoperability, accountability, and inclusive innovation (integrated with responsible AI) will enable us to effectively tackle tomorrow’s complex global challenges.
The future of governance looks like it will be hybrid. For that to be a good thing, this new model of governance must be a deliberate, inclusive, and technologically informed hybridity.
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Who governs in a borderless world?
Image via Canva.
July 14, 2025
Governance is transcending its traditional boundaries, an evolution that is reshaping the very practice of international relations. This new model needs systematic mechanisms that make it deliberate, inclusive, and technologically informed, writes Rui Duarte.
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overnance is transcending traditional boundaries. Historically dominated by nation states and intergovernmental institutions, today’s governance landscape increasingly includes corporations, civil society, and multi–stakeholder coalitions—reshaping policy, innovation, and the very practice of international relations.
Where will this hybridized form of governance lead us? Will it foster inclusive and responsive systems, or will it devolve into fragmented agendas marked by inefficiency?
Recent examples are mixed. The Covid vaccine rollout showed immense potential: collaboration among governments, corporations, research institutes, and NGOs resulted in over 13 billion vaccine doses distributed globally by early 2024 (WHO). That success is tempered by persisting and stark disparities; vaccination coverage exceeded 80% in high–income countries but under 30% in many lower–income countries.
Digital governance also highlights hybrid governance's mixed outcomes. Initiatives like the Internet Governance Forum attract diverse stakeholders but often struggle with cohesive, enforceable policies. Those policies are critical, today; Access Now reported that over 65 countries imposed internet shutdowns or restrictions in 2023.
Ensuring hybrid governance delivers effectively requires innovative mechanisms.. A Global Hybrid Governance Index (GHGI) could be designed to transparently evaluate governance initiatives based on inclusivity, accountability, coherence, and effectiveness—driving continuous improvement and trust.
Cities lead the way, employing participatory budgeting, digital citizen assemblies, and blockchain–powered services. Barcelona’s "Decidim" engaged over 400,000 residents in governance decisions in 2023 alone. Globally, COP climate summits reveal ambitious targets yet persistent implementation gaps, underlining the importance of systemic coherence.
Emerging technologies like AI add further complexity. Responsible AI can enhance transparency, diplomatic dialogue, and stakeholder coordination. Conversely, unchecked AI risks exacerbating governance fragmentation and inequalities.
Strategically harnessing hybrid governance through interoperability, accountability, and inclusive innovation (integrated with responsible AI) will enable us to effectively tackle tomorrow’s complex global challenges.
The future of governance looks like it will be hybrid. For that to be a good thing, this new model of governance must be a deliberate, inclusive, and technologically informed hybridity.
