RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Service delivery and legitimacy in fragile and conflict-affected states
Evidence from water services in Iraq
Brinkerhoff, D., Wetterberg, A., & Dunn, S. (2012). Service delivery and legitimacy in fragile and conflict-affected states: Evidence from water services in Iraq. Public Management Review, 14(2), 273-293. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2012.657958
In fragile and conflict-affected states (FCS), governments must rebuild three core governance functions: provision of security, service delivery and political participation. We unpack the connection between service delivery and legitimacy, using a staged model of legitimation, in which progress on the governance functions forms the basis for value-based legitimacy; behavioural legitimacy may, but does not necessarily, follow. With data from Iraq, we explore the role of water services in laying the groundwork for legitimacy. The analysis underscores the complex, non-linear relationship between service delivery and increases in trust and legitimacy, and the process's sensitivity to starting points. Nascent governments can build legitimacy by improving service delivery; however, gains are contingent and often fragile.
