The Paradox of Vulnerability

Why we need bricoleurs to foster robust governance solutions in turbulent times

“…Compare this to Ireland, where the refashioning of existing practices of dealing with institutions on an individual basis had as a consequence that the sector as a whole did not take responsibility for crisis management (Campbell & Hall, 2017). We thus see that both sets of actors worked as bricoleurs in managing the financial crisis, the quality of institutions and ideas available to them mattered hugely for the output of these processes.…”

“…The successful redeployment of existing institutions for crisis management in a new context—notably privately funded but publically regulated Private Contingency Association (Indskydergarantifonden) that already in 1994 had been enabled to offer guarantees to help smooth transition of ownership in cases of bank collapse—resulted in the Danish state making money on the crisis (Carstensen, 2017). Compare this to Ireland, where the refashioning of existing practices of dealing with institutions on an individual basis had as a consequence that the sector as a whole did not take responsibility for crisis management (Campbell & Hall, 2017). We thus see that both sets of actors worked as bricoleurs in managing the financial crisis, the quality of institutions and ideas available to them mattered hugely for the output of these processes.…”

“…Further institutions were developed through the crisis, most importantly the asset management company Financial Stability ( Fiansiel Stabilitet )—tasked with winding down bankrupt financial institutions—that was publically regulated but had strong representation from the banking sector in its board (Carstensen, 2013). In contrast, Irish policymakers—although too forced to work as bricoleurs in a moment of intense crisis—had no institutions for dialogue and negotiation, and instead ended up dealing with individual banks on a more ad hoc basis, in the process struggling with getting the necessary overview of a rapidly deteriorating banking sector (Campbell & Hall, 2017).…”

Authority Under Construction: The European Union in Comparative Political Perspective

“…Why is the cultural infrastructure of deliberate depoliticization important? All polities experience policy failures and hard times, but some prove resilient, able to pull together to overcome their troubles without deep lasting cleavages and disintegration (Campbell and Hall, 2017). Part of the reason for success lies in the political legitimacy of the governance system and the sense of shared social solidarity of the citizens within it.…”

“…I will highlight how shifting to the lens of comparative political development allows us to better understand the role of culture and identity in the EU project. Felt social solidarity, or a lack thereof, can be key in determining the stability of a governance regime, particularly under situations of stress (Campbell and Hall, 2017).…”