The Political Economy of Legal and Governance Reform in Non-Western Societies: Insights from Central Asia (POLCA)

Economics , Law , Politics , Sociology

2026 - 2029

Provider	European Commission
Programme	Horizon Europe - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Project code	101228676
Participants	Lunds Universitet (koordinátor), Malmo Universitet, The University of Birmingham, Ozbek Kadin Haklari Dernegi, Faculty of Social sciences Charles University, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Sia Biznesa Augstskola Turiba, University of the West of England Bristol, Sihtasutus Estonian Business School, Soderntorns Hogskola

Improving the rule of law in non-Western countries

With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the POLCA project investigates why efforts to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in non-Western countries often face obstacles. It develops an interdisciplinary research and training programme centred on alternative institutions and norms – such as indigenous practices, informal governance and hybrid legal systems. By combining empirical fieldwork with new theoretical approaches, POLCA will generate fresh insights into law, development and governance processes in non-Western societies. Its consortium unites leading universities and non-academic partners from Europe, North America, Central Asia, the Middle East and East Asia. Beyond advancing scholarship, the project will provide strategic intelligence for policymakers, international organisations and development agencies, contributing to more inclusive, context-sensitive reforms worldwide.