Document Type
Essay
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
The current accountability impasse suggests it may be time to rethink core concepts, as well as the field’s underlying theories of change. The idea of accountability is malleable, ambiguous — and contested. This fuzziness poses challenges for both theory and practice – how do we know what strategies bolster accountability – or whether accountability produces its expected effects? This think piece recognizes the challenge of defining ‘what counts’ as accountability, unpacks a longstanding theory of change - that sunshine is the best disinfectant - and considers some information-based reform initiatives to identify missing links in the causal chain between transparency and accountability.
Recommended Citation
Fox, Jonathan, "Rethinking 'What Counts' As Accountability" (2023). Perspectives. 10.
https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/accountability-perspectives/10
Included in
Banking and Finance Law Commons, Business Organizations Law Commons, Comparative and Foreign Law Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, International Humanitarian Law Commons, International Law Commons, International Trade Law Commons