The Good Hegemon: US Power, Accountability as Justice, and the Multilateral Development Banks

The World Bank Inspection Panel was created in 1993 to provide recourse for harm resulting from Bank-financed projects in developing countries. Susan Park's book "The Good Hegemon" analyzes the accountability as justice norm, its creation, how it functions, and whether it holds the MDBs to account. The US promoted the norm during debates over MDB efficiency and effectiveness in the 1990s, leading to the institutionalization of the norm over time. Despite these gains, the norm is still corrective rather than preemptive.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The World Bank established the groundbreaking World Bank Inspection Panel in 1993, setting a precedent under international law that granted individuals the right to seek redress for harm caused by the Bank's financed projects in developing countries. This marked the first instance where a universal international organization acknowledged and addressed its impact on individuals. Within a decade, other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) followed suit by implementing similar accountability mechanisms. These mechanisms constitute a norm of accountability as justice, offering recourse for environmentally and socially detrimental behavior through a formal sanctioning process.

In her book "The Good Hegemon," Susan Park delves into the accountability as justice norm, examining its origin, functioning, and effectiveness in holding MDBs accountable. Park addresses these critical aspects through three central arguments. Firstly, the book elucidates how the United States actively promoted this norm during debates in the 1990s regarding the maintenance of MDB efficiency and effectiveness. Building upon its previous experience of employing accountability as control, the US aimed to establish a universal norm of accountability as justice for all MDBs, even in the absence or limited influence of activist pressures. Secondly, Park traces the MDBs' resistance to conforming to the norm, leading the US to exert its influence and demand reforms to the mechanisms. Thirdly, the book demonstrates how the MDBs have institutionalized the norm over time, enhancing the accessibility, transparency, independence, responsiveness to affected individuals, and the effectiveness of compliance investigations and MDB monitoring. Park also highlights that, despite these advancements, the accountability as justice norm remains primarily corrective rather than preventive; it typically intervenes after harm has occurred.

The establishment of the World Bank Inspection Panel and the subsequent adoption of accountability mechanisms by other MDBs have had significant implications for international development. These measures have enhanced the transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of MDBs to the concerns and needs of affected communities. They have provided a platform for individuals to seek justice and hold MDBs accountable for their actions, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable approach to development financing.

However, it is important to note that the accountability as justice norm faces ongoing challenges and limitations. While it has improved the ability of affected individuals to seek redress, it may not always be effective in preventing harm or addressing the root causes of environmental and social degradation. Additionally, the norm may vary in its implementation and enforcement across different MDBs, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in accountability.

To address these challenges and further strengthen the accountability as justice norm, there is a need for ongoing efforts and initiatives. MDBs should continue to enhance their accountability mechanisms, ensuring that they are accessible, transparent, and independent. They should also prioritize the involvement of affected communities in decision-making processes and provide them with effective means of redress and grievance resolution.

Furthermore, governments, international organizations, and civil society should support and promote the accountability as justice norm. They should encourage MDBs to adhere to their commitments and hold them accountable for their actions. They should also work towards strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern MDBs and promote sustainable development practices.

In conclusion, the creation of the World Bank Inspection Panel and the subsequent adoption of accountability mechanisms by other MDBs have been pivotal in advancing the norm of accountability as justice. These measures have enhanced the transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of MDBs to the concerns and needs of affected communities. However, there is still room for improvement and further strengthening of the norm to ensure that it effectively addresses environmental and social degradation and promotes sustainable development. By engaging in ongoing efforts and initiatives, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197626481