Introduction: The Emergence of New Forms of Governance

During recent decade(s) the traditional role of government in West-European countries has been under discussion. This debate and subsequent reforms were induced by a gradual transformation of the relations between state and society. Increasing social pluriformity and ongoing processes of individualisation have undermined the legitimacy of traditional modes of collective decision making (Andeweg and Van Gunsteren, 1994; Tops, 1994; Thomassen, 1995; Klingemann and Fuchs, 1995; Frissen, 1996; Van Gunsteren, 1998). The authority of government and the steering capacity of public administration are restrained by a growing dependence of public authorities on economic and social actors. The ensuing shift of balance between government and society has had far reaching consequences for public decision making.