Conclusion: what does polycentrism (not) reveal about governing today?

Abstract

This chapter reviews and consolidates the findings of the volume. The editors reflect on the contributions and limitations of polycentrism as a core concept for understanding governing today; on techniques, power and legitimacy as three core issues of polycentric governing; on the typology of organizational, legal, relational and structural theories; and on the methodology of interparadigm dialogue of difference. The chapter also explores possibilities of transcending the typology and combining insights from the four approaches in a more holistic understanding of governing.