This volume collects contributions that are dealing with phenomena of contemporary politics which in various ways are related to the broad themes of governance and legitimacy. During the past decades, the process of globalization has permeated the borders of nation states. In addition to traditional political actors such as governments, parliaments, and political parties, actors from civil society, but also from business along with national as well as transnational non-governmental organizations and other organized interests have become important players in the political arena. Authoritative...