The Self-Restraining State: Power and Accountability in New Democracies

Approaches the issue of horizontal accountability from various angles, examining non-elected, specialized bodies of oversight in government, banking, and other institutions. After discussion of conceptual and normative aspects of public accountability, and sections offer historical overviews and material on international factors. Empirical case studies provide descriptive accounts and explanatory hypotheses about the institutionalization of horizontal accountability. A concluding chapter offers general theoretical propositions on conflicts and constituencies of institutional reform. Based on papers presented at a June 1997 conference held in Vienna, Austria. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.