Power and knowledge in governance: enabling, structuring and hindering transitions

Power is one of the most important topics in governance, although it does not always get the attention it deserves. Power is often associated with coercion, by leaders or the state, and it has received a negative connotation in the history of democratic theory and practice. Yet, power is also widely understood as necessary, reflected in the common reference to the empowerment of marginalized groups. In this chapter we refer to traditions in the conceptualization of power going back to Plato, Machiavelli, Nietzsche, and others, where power was regarded as necessary to get anything done. Michel Foucault developed a theory of power that sees power as always there, neither good nor bad, and present in all interactions. We borrow and build on his ideas to explain how in governance power is necessarily exerted, as the stakes are high. We speak of power as coupled with knowledge – both influencing each other in a continuing co-evolution. Governance can decide on collectively binding decisions, and often on the truth and value of things.