Abstract

The twenty-first century has witnessed profound transformations in governance structures across the world. Rapid technological change, globalization, policy fragmentation, and increasing public distrust have challenged traditional understandings of the state, law, and management. Classical governance models—rooted in hierarchy, centralized authority, and linear decision-making—are increasingly inadequate in addressing complex and interconnected policy problems such as climate change, digital surveillance, public health crises, and economic inequality. This article argues that contemporary governance must be re-imagined as a dynamic, adaptive, and multi-actor process rather than a purely state-centric exercise. Drawing upon insights from political science, public law, and management studies, the paper examines the limitations of conventional governance frameworks and proposes an integrated approach that emphasizes institutional flexibility, legal resilience, and collaborative policy management. The study contributes to ongoing debates in politics, law, and management by offering a conceptual framework for understanding governance in conditions of uncertainty and complexity.

Keywords

Governance, Public Policy, State, Law, Management, Institutional Theory, Complexity

Citation (APA Format)

Gaur, B. S. (2025). Governance in the age of complexity: Rethinking the state, policy, and management in the twenty-first century. International Journal of Politics, Law, and Management, 4(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17966342