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Conceptualizing and Measuring State Effectiveness as Impartiality

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Appiah

    (University of Ghana)

  • Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai

    (University of Ghana)

Abstract

Building on Rawls’s Theory of Justice, we argue that state effectiveness should be conceptualized and measured using the baseline of equal rights to life, liberties, and opportunities. This conception of state effectiveness leads to measurement along two axes of performance: a vertical axis (y axis) measuring the quality of state capacity for impartiality; and a horizontal axis (x axis) measuring the quality of states in achieving impartiality. We examine the extent of state effectiveness across all 54 countries in Africa. We find that the quality of state capacity correlates with the extent of equal treatment of persons.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Appiah & Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai, 2023. "Conceptualizing and Measuring State Effectiveness as Impartiality," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1417-1436, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:porgrv:v:23:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s11115-022-00681-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11115-022-00681-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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