From government to governance: a historical and conceptual analysis

Abstract

In recent decades, the concept of governance has taken on a central role in discussions about public administration and public policy, especially in light of economic, social, and institutional transformations that challenge traditional models of government. This article aims to understand the historical development of the concept of governance and its relevance in the contemporary context. To this end, a literature review was conducted based on both classical and contemporary authors, as well as documents from multilateral organizations that have contributed to the dissemination of the term. The article is structured into two chapters: the first examines the historical trajectory of the concept; the second analyzes its current configurations and implications for public management. The analysis highlights that governance stands out due to its ability to bring together diverse actors and logics within complex decision-making processes, being understood as a relational phenomenon involving negotiation, cooperation, and interdependence among public agents, the market, and civil society. Contemporary interpretations recognize the complexity, ambivalence, and conflicts inherent to polycentric decision-making arrangements, reflecting the multiple dynamics that characterize institutional relations today.