Work

The significance of success: Economic development as a source of political legitimacy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We argue that sustained economic development is a source of normative political legitimacy for poor states. On the foundational level, we defend restricted instrumentalism: the primary source of legitimacy in poor countries is the ability of regimes to achieve valuable outcomes. On the practical level, we argue that economic growth and enhanced state capacity are sources of legitimacy. Moreover, drawing on empirical evidence, we defend three heuristics: regimes with successful developmental records, high popular support and responsive institutions presumptively enjoy legitimacy. We illustrate the approach with reference to China.

Source: European Journal of Political Theory

DOI: 10.1177/14748851261429912

Authors: Matthias Brinkmann, Tadhg Ó Laoghaire

Institutions: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Durham University

Language: English

Topic: Political Conflict and Governance

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650