The aim of this micro-course is to provide participants with a quick overview of the challenges and opportunities in achieving good governance within the complex context of conflict affected societies.

A woman votes in an election.
A woman votes in an election. Photo from Wikimedia.

Course Overview

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify key dimensions of governance.
  • Describe the types of corruption and the challenges that arise from each.
  • Explain the interrelationship between rule of law, democracy, human rights and governance.
  • Discuss the role of civil society in transition environments.

Agenda

Section 1 - Introduction

Introduces the importance of governance through real-world stories and asks the learner to reflect on their prior knowledge.

Section 2 - Pillars

Looks at the main concepts that shape how good governance is understood to provide a holistic perspective.

Section 3 - Tools

Introduces the primary tools and approaches to good governance, paying special attention to the variety of approaches to governance that can be applied in post-conflict environments.

Section 4 - Application

Explores how the key themes of this course apply to real-life cases by examining democratic transitions and the four steps to sustainable governance.

Section 5 - Conclusion

Provides a space for self-reflection and tests retention while earning a certificate.

Course Instructor

  • Debra Liang-Fenton, Consultant and former Senior Program Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

With Milei’s Election, Argentina Heads into Uncharted Territory

With Milei’s Election, Argentina Heads into Uncharted Territory

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

By: Richard M. Sanders

In the 1976 Academy Award-winning film “Network,” a disgruntled television personality convinces his audience to shout “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” Javier Milei, now president-elect of Argentina, has convinced his country’s voters to do the same thing, only at the ballot box, rather than in the studio. The good news for Milei is that he has won the election. The bad news for him is that he now has to govern and make good his pledge to replace Argentina’s “model of decadence” — this in a nation, which, with ups and downs, has been in long-term decline for almost a century.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Democracy & Governance

Ahead of Election, Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil Spills into the Streets

Ahead of Election, Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil Spills into the Streets

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

By: Geoffrey Macdonald, Ph.D.

With Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections set for early January, the opposition’s push for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim election-time government has reached its crescendo — sending the country’s streets and politics into tumult in the process. With no sign of political compromise in sight, Bangladesh’s January elections will likely do little to repair its deep political divisions.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Democracy & Governance

We Shouldn’t Fear a Resistance Victory in Myanmar

We Shouldn’t Fear a Resistance Victory in Myanmar

Thursday, November 16, 2023

By: Billy Ford;  Thin Zar Htet

As the national uprising against Myanmar’s coup regime has gained strength, a singular question has hovered over the widening campaign: If this patchwork of ethnic armed groups, deposed elected leaders, activists and armed defense forces manages to topple the junta, would they be able to govern, or would the country descend into greater chaos?

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Conflict Analysis & PreventionDemocracy & Governance

What You Need to Know About Taiwan’s Pivotal Presidential Elections

What You Need to Know About Taiwan’s Pivotal Presidential Elections

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

By: Kemi Adewalure;  Rosie Levine;  Jennifer Staats, Ph.D.;  Alex Stephenson

Ahead of the November 20 deadline to register candidates, Taiwan’s campaign season for the January 2024 presidential elections is in full swing and voters are presented with four candidates. While economic and energy policies will be key for voters, the chief foreign policy issue is how to manage relations with China. Both Beijing and Washington will be watching closely for what the election augurs for cross-Strait tension and Taiwan’s relationships with the world’s two major powers.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Policy

View All Publications