Countries either converge or diverge in their social and governance performance. This dynamic directly influences the ability of social and governance indicators to differentiate between countries, with divergence increasing their information content and convergence diminishing it. Tracking the evolution of these indicators' information content over an extended period provides insights into shifts in their relative importance and, most importantly, allows one to uncover the various phases that the global policy landscape undergoes. Using a wide range of indicators across 170 countries, we examine the evolution of information content from 1990 to 2020 of various social and governance constructs. The results reveal a notable shift from social to governance dimensions. Initially, disparities were more pronounced in basic human needs and wellbeing. However, countries have since converged in these areas. In contrast, countries' performance in governance dimensions, such as state capacity and democratic accountability, has seen increased divergence, reflecting widening disparities. These findings highlight that contemporary global policy challenges are increasingly rooted in governance disparities across countries.
Policy implications
- Enhance state capacity development programs: Governments and international organizations should prioritize targeted investments in state capacity, focusing on fiscal coordination, policy implementation, and service delivery. Tailored capacity-building initiatives in regions with persistent disparities, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, can address governance challenges effectively.
- Promote inclusive democratic practices: To address increasing disparities in democratic accountability, policymakers should support reforms that strengthen electoral systems, enhance judicial oversight, and protect civil society. Initiatives to combat voter suppression, ensure electoral transparency, and safeguard media independence are essential for fostering democratic equity.
- Maintain momentum in social dimensions: While disparities in basic human needs are narrowing, sustaining progress requires continuous support for programs addressing nutrition, sanitation, and personal safety. Policymakers must ensure that investments in social infrastructure do not stagnate, particularly in regions where challenges remain.
- Adopt composite indicators for governance monitoring: Decision-makers should use advanced composite indices that dynamically adjust to shifts in social and governance priorities. By incorporating entropy-based methods, these indices can better capture and monitor disparities, enabling more effective and targeted policy responses to emerging governance challenges.
Photo by Marina Hinic