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Normative coherence for development – What relevance for responsive regionalism?
Koff, Harlan; Häbel, Sandra

in Development Policy Review (2021)

Without a normative dimension, transformative development risks reproducing traditional economic development. In this special issue we focus on norm implementation in different world regions through the lens of normative coherence for development. This special issue indicates that regions are an important interlocutor between the global, national, and sub-national level and, as such, are crucial for implementing the sustainable development agenda. The articles show, however, that to date normative coherence for development has not been achieved due to overriding priorities and technical approaches to policy coherence for development. With this special issue we aim to draw more attention to the topic of normative coherence for development and show that policies need to be adjusted in order to reflect the normative dimension of sustainable development.

Addressing seeming paradoxes by embracing them: small state theory and the integration of migrants
Kolnberger, Thomas; Koff, Harlan

in Comparative Migration Studies (2021), 9

This article examines the integration of migrants in Luxembourg within the framework of small state theory. Within the comparative scholarship on migration, small states are often presented as “success stories.” This research questions this assumption and empirical data presented here indicates that many contradictions exist within Luxembourg’s migrant integration model. The country’s “success” in fact does not reflect the levels of integration of migrants nationally as significant inequalities are present in Luxembourg. However, the analysis of Luxembourg presented here illustrates how small states have coherently embraced many paradoxes that are inherent to integration strategies throughout Europe with the goal of promoting peaceful coexistence.

Addressing COVID through PCD: policy coherence for vulnerability in development and its relationship to the coronavirus pandemic
Moldes-Anaya, Sergio; Koff, Harlan; da Porto, Angelica; Lipovina, Tara

in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (2021)

This analysis frames vulnerability as a socially constructed condition and through implementation of a PCD approach, it indicates how policy strategies contribute to or mitigate vulnerabilities. In doing so, it intends to contribute conceptually to the literature on vulnerability by showing how policy incoherences contribute to the construction of this condition. Empirically, the originality of this article is its statistical analysis of regional variance of coronavirus risk and the qualitative analysis of policy strategies in representative cases and how they have affected vulnerabilities and coronavirus impacts. The research shows that significant regional variance exists in terms of coronavirus risk, based on statistical analysis of the INFORM COVID-19 Risk Report prepared by the European Commission. The PCD analysis highlights important relationships between public policy strategies and the construction of both underlying vulnerabilities and coronavirus impacts.

Why serve soup with a fork?: How policy coherence for development can link environmental impact assessment with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development
Koff, Harlan

in Environmental Impact Assessment Review (2021), 86

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) re-focused development cooperation on universal and transformative development aimed at improving the quality of life of people in all world regions, while simultaneously conserving natural resources. Critics, however, have correctly questioned whether appropriate policy methods and tools exist for the adequate implementation of transformative development. These challenges are even more significant given that the implementation of the SDGs falls to nation-states. This article asks “Can the transformative development promoted by the SDG’s be achieved through the policy tools presently utilized by nation-states, such as environmental impact assessment (EIA)?” The study responds to this question through a critical examination of EIA in Mexico in relation to mining. Empirical analysis focuses on the proposed Caballo Blanco open-pit mine in Veracruz state. The case can be considered critical because it is often presented as a success, given that a broad coalition of actors prevented the mine from opening through activities directed at EIA. This article questions this narrative because it shows how EIA actually can undermine transformative development through the use of cost-benefit logics. The article concludes that policy coherence for development (PCD) can potentially support EIA as a methodology through which transformative development can be promoted. PCD can improve the “normative effectiveness” of EIA when used as an evaluation criteria. Otherwise, EIA may undermine the implementation of the SDGs which would be comparable to serving soup with a fork.

Migration Security
Searle, Martin; Koff, Harlan

in Tan, See Sang; Christiansen, Thomas; Kirchner, Emil (Eds.) The European Union’s Security Relations with Asian Powers (2021)

Migration has recently been framed as a threat to security in many parts of the world. Numerous advanced industrial states have in fact, securitized migration by implementing measures to control and even extend external borders, through increased policing and financial contributions to neighbouring countries that are linked to migration control strategies. This process has led to the spread of formal and informal regionalization strategies in migration affairs. However, levels and types of securitization of migration reflect different perspectives on regional integration. This chapter compares migration governance in Europe and Asia and illustrates how relatively uniform regionalization in Europe has led to institutionalized responses promoting securitization whereas the divergent bottom-up approach to regionalism in Asia has resulted in significant policy variation amongst Asian states. Consequently, Asia’s seeming patchwork response differs from the European Union’s blanket approach, thus impeding close inter-regional collaboration in this policy arena.

Perpetuating Crises at the Source?: (Inter)Regionalism and Normative Incoherence for Sustainable Migration in Africa
Koff, Harlan

in Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studiesjavascript:$('next-but').click(); (2020), 47(4), 1-22

In response to the 2015–2016 migration crisis, the European Union established the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa that aimed ‘to address the root causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration and to contribute to better migration management.’ This article questions the logic of this approach to migration management by asking whether African regions can ‘better manage migration.’ The article examines the normative bases of migration policies amongst the African Union (AU) and six regional economic communities (RECs), as well as the normative bases of the development strategies pursued by the AU and these RECs. The article proposes normative policy coherence for development as an approach to better understand the relationships between regional integration, sustainable development and migration management in Africa.

Ten years of re-thinking regions from citizens’ perspectives
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen; De Lombaerde, Philippe; Kauffer, Edith; Ros Cuellar, Julia

in Regions and Cohesion (2020), 10(3), -

This special issue commemorating Regions & Cohesion’s tenth anniversary continues the tradition described herein. Entitled “Re-thinking regions: A citizen perspective,” it has been conceptualized and coordinated by the journal’s editors, associate editors, and editorial manager. We thank the contributing authors for accepting the challenge to respond to any of the following provocative questions: What contributed to the perceived decline of regions in global affairs? How can regions recover from this perceived decline? How can supranational, transnational, or sub-national regions respond better to the needs of citizens? How can regions better support the Sustainable Development Goals and the transformative development that they pursue? How can regions promote more sustainable usage of natural resources? What roles can regions play in global affairs in the near- to medium-term future? The articles published here provide a snapshot of the state of regional integration in the world today. These articles also engage the field of regional studies, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and indicate interesting paths for future scholarship. We thank the authors for these proposed ways forward.

Barriers and Borders: Human Mobility and Building Inclusive Societies
Graham, Suzanne; Koff, Harlan

in Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies (2020), 47(4), 2-5

Guidelines for Operationalizing Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) as a Methodology for the Design and Implementation of Sustainable Development Strategies
Koff, Harlan; Challenger, Antony; Portillo, Israel

in Sustainability (2020), 12(4055), 1-23

Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) is considered a pillar of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It aims to promote whole of government approaches to sustainable development. Despite its prominence in development cooperation discussions, many national development professionals or stakeholders have not heard of PCD, indicating that its effectiveness is significantly limited. This article contends that the impact of PCD has not been maximized because it has been presented as a political objective or a policy tool by multilateral organizations and their member states. Instead, the article argues that PCD should be implemented as a methodology that can be adopted by domestic government and non-governmental actors alike, in order to understand trade-offs and co-benefits within and between policy sectors, thus promoting a participative approach. I-GAMMA is a research project in Mexico that examines data-driven public policy in order to promote PCD. It is based on in-depth reviews of policy documents and interviews with development actors. It is committed to open data, evidence-based policymaking, and collaborative dialogue between academics, government officials, and representatives of civil society organizations in sustainable development discussions. In the results section of this article, the project proposes participative PCD as a methodology for policy analysis through which a plurality of actors can identify mechanisms that either reinforce or undermine sustainable development strategies. This section then applies the methodology to the governance of protected natural areas in Mexico. The discussion section and the conclusions highlight the relevance of this approach for participative policymaking in sustainable development.

Transboundary water diplomacy among small states: a giant dilemma for Central American regionalism
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen; Kauffer, Edith

in Water International (2020)

Water diplomacy aims to shift water disputes from zero-sum games into positive-sum cooperation models though actor-driven approaches. Small states are often viewed as facilitators of diplomacy through a commitment to regionalism and consensus, which highlights their influence in international affairs. Responding to the research question, ‘How do “non-decisions” lead to status quo in water diplomacy?’ this article discusses how regional water diplomacy based on influence is weakened by the domestic shortcomings of small states’ political systems, where authorities use non-decision-making to maintain a status quo that guarantees their legitimized power.

Saving the Baby While Discarding the Bathwater: the application of policy coherence for development analysis to payment for watershed services
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen

in Madera y Bosques (2019), 25(3), 2531760

One of the most debated tools for the implementation of sustainable development is “payment for ecosystem services”, of which “payment for watershed services” (PWS) is one of the most developed. While proponents argue that such payments provide market value to the services that ecosystems provide for development, opponents claim that this approach commodifies the environment and promotes inequalities. This article presents an analysis of PWS programs by applying methodologies based on policy coherence for development (PCD), defined as a policy tool aimed at eliminating incoherence within sustainable development strategies that undermine their effectiveness as well as between such strategies and other policy arenas, which are also considered harmful to sustainability. By employing a PCD methodology, the article aims to identify policy mechanisms that undermine PWS programs so that stakeholders can make adjustments, thus, metaphorically ensuring that “the baby” (PWS) is not discarded with “the bathwater” (policy incoherence for sustainable development).

`Nadando contracorriente’, la aplicación de las teorías de los pequeños Estados en la gestión de las aguas transfronterizas en dos continentes
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen

in Kauffer, Edith (Ed.) Las dimensiones políticas del agua (2019)

Environmental Security in Transnational contexts: What Relevance for Regional Security Regimes? (Edited Volume)
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen

Book published by Taylor & Francis (2018)

Diaspora Philanthropy in the Context of Policy Coherence for Development: Implications for the post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda
Koff, Harlan

in International Migration (2017), 55(1), 5-19

Thus far, there has been a dearth of studies that systemically examine the relationship between diaspora philanthropy, the development community and securitised migration regimes. This article addresses this by responding to the research question, “How coherent are securitised migration policies with diaspora philanthropy and the transformative development objectives that characterise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda?” The analysis is based on the concept of policy coherence for development (PCD). The article compares the simultaneous regionalization and securitization of European Union and United States migration policies and contends that these policy strategies undermine diaspora philanthropy, development partnerships and transformative development. Normative change must be introduced in order to establish coherence between globalized migration policies and diaspora philanthropy objectives. Normative coherence for development can be achieved by introducing principles from the SDG's and the Busan Development Partnership Agreement amongst other international development agendas, into migration policy-making at the national and regional levels.

Policy Coherence for Development and Migration: Analysing US and EU Policies through the Lens of Normative Transformation
Koff, Harlan

in Regions & cohesion = Regiones y Cohesión = Regions and Cohesion (2017), 7(2), 5-33

The European Union’s (EU) 2015–2016 “migration/asylum crisis” gave discussions over the relationships between migration, security and development renewed prominence in global affairs. In response to record migratory flows, the EU, like the United States (US), has implemented security responses to migration aimed at protecting territorial integrity. This article addresses the migration–security–development nexus through the lens of policy coherence for development (PCD). It compares EU and US migration policies within the framework of the “transformative development” associated with the Sustainable Development Goals. It contends that these donors have undermined transformative development through the regionalization of development aid, which has contributed to the securitization of both development and migration policies. Thus, the article contends that new mechanisms for change need to be identified. It introduces the notion of “normative coherence” and proposes a potential role for regional human rights courts in fostering migration-related PCD.

«Cross-border Environmental Peace» as the Interaction of Regional Norms and Local Power: Lessons from Cross-Regional Analysis of Water Security Debates
Koff, Harlan

in Revista de Paz y Conflictos (2016), 9(2), 19-42

Reconciling Competing Globalizations through Regionalisms? Environmental Security in the Framework of Expanding Security Norms and Narrowing Security Policies
Koff, Harlan

in Globalizations (2016), 13(6), 664-682

AbstractThis article examines environmental security regimes in 16 regional organizations and asks whether regions can effectively implement environmental security norms. It first defines these norms and discusses their emergence at the international level. At the same time, through the literature review, the article posits that the globalization of security threats has simultaneously led to a retrenchment of coercive non-state security strategies. Consequently, the article contends that the globalization of security norms has made them ineffectual because they have not properly addressed tangible security threats. At the same time, nation-state-based hard power security measures (especially border controls) have not adequately addressed the underlying causes of transnational threats related to human and environmental security. For this reason, the article examines how well regional approaches to security contribute to both protection against imminent violence and the promotion of human and environmental security through medium-term development strategies. The article contends that the emergence of regional environmental security regimes should be fostered by reinforcing regional security architectures through public participation mechanisms.

The Social Impacts of Informal Sectors in Border Regions: Cross-regional Perspectives
Koff, Harlan; Du Bry, Travis

in Journal of Borderlands Studies (2016)

Environmental Security in Transnational Contexts: What Relevance for Regional Human Security Regimes?
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen

in Globalizations (2016), 13(6), 653-663

AbstractThe year 2015 was meant to be a seminal year in global geopolitics due to the transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This transition was significant because the MDGs, even though they raised global consciousness around the need to combat poverty, remained indicator-based, and thus, they did not adequately address socio-economic inequalities and power imbalances in global affairs. For this reason, much of the discussion surrounding the definition of the SDGs and the post-2015 global development agenda contextualized sustainable development within the framework of ‘transformation’, specifically prioritizing concepts such as equity, security, justice, and rights. While these debates correctly discussed power imbalances and relational obstacles to human development they remained abstract because they focused only on the international level. In this regard, discussions did not adequately examine mechanisms that facilitate or block the emergence of sustainable development as a political priority, nor did they address specific policy proposals to link environmental justice to human development strategies. Thus, this special issue introduction argues that human and environmental security should be framed in terms of transnational discussions rather than being limited to international debates. The special issue undertakes an examination of the interactions between human and environmental security, border studies, and comparative regional integration; and interactions between competing globalizations. The articles in the special issue address the relationships between international norms, transnational human and environmental security issues, and the regionalization of governance.

“Cross-border environmental peace” in development contexts: the convergence of peace with de-territorialized development
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen; Conde, Gilberto

in Revista de Paz y Conflictos (2016), 9(1), 7-16

This article contends that notions of «peace» and «justice» in cross-border water management vary in different world regions. Moreover, it argues that «peace» and «justice» can be explained by analyzing the interaction between «regional» interpretations and implementation of water security norms and local cross-border power structures. «Regional water security» is defined as the normative commitment to provide necessary water resources to communities within world regions. «Power,» which is defined traditionally as «the ability of actors to obtain their objectives despite opposition» is viewed as a function of political entrepreneurialism and opportunity structures. This article derives from a review of the pertinent literatures on «water security» and «water justice,» the two elements of «water peace» as well as scholarship on cross-border water management in different world regions. It discusses water governance within the framework of cross-border politics and comparative regional integration. It also includes analysis of the policy documents and websites of seventeen regional organizations as well as interviews with key actors and local experts on water management in specific cross-border case studies. The article is divided into five sections. Following this introduction, part two examines «water security» and «water justice» in international affairs. Part III then discusses «power» in cross-border water governance debates and addresses the transnational face of water security discussions. Part IV presents a comparative examination of cross-border «water justice» in selected world regions which is followed by theoretical considerations that are addressed in part V, the conclusion. In general, the article emphasizes the need to promote comparative cross-regional research on cross-border water governance in order to examine how «peace,» «security» and «justice» are framed in debates over water resources.

Analyzing the Dynamics of Inter-state water peace: A study of the Huitzilapan-Xalapa Water Transfers
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen; Ruelas, Laura

in Revista de Paz y Conflictos (2016), 9(2), 59-83

This article examines the political conflict surrounding the interstate transfer of water in the Huitzilapan-Xalapa Aqueduct, from which about 60% of the water resources for the city of Xalapa, state capital of Veracruz, come. This interstate water transfer has eventually lead to political and social conflict based on misinformation about perceived water shortages to Xalapa. The article examines a case in which water officials from Xalapa have apparently complied with guidelines related to procedural, distributive, and ecological justice. Therefore, the article proposes a focus on «justice as responsible (and informed) dialogue» as a central element of procedural justice. The analysis is based on a review of official documents, such as Mexican water laws and the water concession under which this water transfer has occurred, press reviews published in regional newspapers, a field visit and interviews with key stakeholders and researchers mostly in Veracruz state.

Urban Air Makes Who Free? Immigration and Urban Citizenship in Contemporary Europe
Koff, Harlan

in Pauly, Michel; Lee, Alexander (Eds.) Urban liberties and citizenship from the Middle Ages up to now (2015)

Informal Economies in European and American Cross-border Regions
Koff, Harlan

in Journal of Borderlands Studies (2015), 30(4), 469-487

Informality is often linked to borderlands in both academic scholarship and political debates. On one hand, border regions are known for the flow of goods, services and labor and, of course, borders represent state attempts to control or regulate these flows. At the same time, scholars of border politics often discuss the weakness of state administrations in border regions where authorities are far from central governments. Despite the clear relevance of informal sectors for borderlands studies, there is a dearth of analysis of this topic in border areas, especially in comparative terms. This article presents a comparative cross-regional study of informality in European (the Eurométropole and Bari, Italy–Durres, Albania) and continental American (San-Diego, USA–Tijuana, Mexico and Cúcuta, Colombia–San Crístobal, Venezuela) cases. It responds to the following research questions: How can we compare informality in cross-border regions? How does informality relate to illegality in these regions? How can regional organizations respond to the social impacts of informality?

Survival Strategy, Victimless Crime or Challenge to Nation-states? Exploring Informality in Cross-Border Regions
Koff, Harlan

in Journal of Borderlands Studies (2015), 30(4), 461-467

Back to the Future?: Intra-regional Migration and Development in West Africa
Koff, Harlan

in Boesen, Elisabeth; Marfaing, Laurence (Eds.) Nomades et migrants dans l’espace Sahara-Sahel: Mobilité, ressources et développement (2014)

Living on the Edge: Migration, Citizenship and The Renegotiation of Social Contracts in European Border Regions
Koff, Harlan; Naranjo Giraldo, Gloria Elena

in Fauri, Francesca (Ed.) Emigration from and to Europe: a multidisciplinary long-term view (2014)

Putting “Power” into Borderlands Studies: “Bringing the State Back In”
Koff, Harlan

in Gilles, Peter; Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen; Schulz, Christian (Eds.) Theorizing Borders Through Analyses of Power Relationships (2013)

Creating Exclusion through Integration Strategies: The Impact of Gypsy Policies in Western Europe
Koff, Harlan

in Educazione Democratica (2012)

Regions & Cohesion
Koff, Harlan; Maganda, Carmen

in Regions & cohesion = Regiones y Cohesión = Regions and Cohesion (2012)

The journal of the Consortium for Comparative Research on Regional Integration and Social Cohesion (RISC), a cross-regional, interdisciplinary, and multi-lingual network of socially conscious and prestigious research institutes in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Due to the dramatic changes in global affairs related to regional integration, studies can no longer be limited to the analysis of economic competitiveness and political power in global geopolitics. Regions and Cohesion is a needed platform for academics and practitioners alike to disseminate both empirical research and normative analysis of topics related to human and environmental security, social cohesion, and governance. It covers themes, such as the management of strategic resources, environment and society, social risk and marginalization, disasters and policy responses, violence, war and urban security, the quality of democracy, development, public health, immigration, human rights, organized crime, and cross-border human security. Interdisciplinary in nature and multi-lingual in character (English, French, Spanish), the journal promotes the comparative examination of the human and environmental impacts of various aspects of regional integration across geographic areas, time periods, and policy arenas.

Understanding 'La Contagion': Power, Exclusion and Urban Violence in France and the United States
Koff, Harlan

in JOURNAL OF ETHNIC AND MIGRATION STUDIES (2009), 35(5), 771-790

The 2005 Riots in France: The International Impact of Domestic Violence
Koff, Harlan; Duprez, Dominique

in JOURNAL OF ETHNIC AND MIGRATION STUDIES (2009), 35(5), 713-730

Fortress Europe or a Europe of Fortresses? The Integration of Migrants in Western Europe
Koff, Harlan

Book published by P.I.E. Peter Lang (2008)

The integration of non-EU migrants is one of the most salient issues in contemporary European politics and social scientists have dedicated significant attention to this question. Even though this field is generally characterized by its richness, its weakness has been its focus on specific aspects of immigration, such as political participation, immigrant entrepreneurship, models of citizenship, etc. This book addresses migrant integration in its complexity. First, it compares and analyzes local integration regimes because levels and modes of integration vary throughout Europe, all the way to the sub-national level. Second, the book discusses integration issues in various arenas, including political party systems, welfare regimes, social movements, civil society, economic sectors, housing, urban planning, and crime. In doing so, the study addresses the relationships between integration in various spheres, thus embracing the complexity of integration processes. Finally, the book attempts to explain the links between political, economic and social integration through interdisciplinary analysis based on power, class and status.

Deceiving (Dis)Appearances Analyzing Current Developments in European and North American Border Regions
Koff, Harlan

Book published by P.I.E.- Peter Lang (2007)

The impact of recent shifts in global geopolitics and economic markets has led to the re-conceptualization of national borders. Scholars have shifted their analysis away from the narrow idea of “borders”, and moved their attention towards the wider view of “borderlands,” “border regions,” and “border zones,” thus, leading to the conceptual re-definition of border politics. These recent approaches have identified border areas as socially constructed territories that demonstrate many of the characteristics of independent polities. Border communities seem to have come to life, creating a degree of autonomy and separation from central state actors. While the rich literature in border studies identifies important changes in local political and economic systems, it does not necessarily identify the mechanisms that create these changes: “Why has integration occurred in some border regions while others are being reinforced? Why has integration failed in some cases where opportunity structures are positive, where it has succeeded in others saddled with more limited constraints? The essays in this volume address such fundamental questions.