Global connections
State 4C
Subsidiarity, self-government, self-organisation and solidarity: four principles of a state that serves human development for all its residents.
Four foundations for discussion
A conceptual framework for asking questions about institutions and comparing situations.
Subsidiarity
Decisions belong at the lowest level able to address the problem. Authority must be accompanied by resources and responsibility.
Self-government
Local communities determine development priorities and manage their territory, rather than relying entirely on decisions taken at the centre.
Self-organisation
Building, neighbourhood and district bodies enable residents to organise and balance the power of municipal authorities and local interest groups.
Solidarity
The capacity to act together builds social capital. Cooperation gives civic participation a practical and economic foundation.
Applying the framework
Describe a specific institution, decision or public need.
Consider the situation through each of the four dimensions.
Compare documents, observations and participants' perspectives.
Formulate possible actions and questions that remain open.
Institutions exist
through relationships
The four dimensions can be considered alongside the sovereignty triad, through people's experience and connections with the wider world.
The framework does not replace research or prove causation. It clarifies the subject of discussion and helps compare arguments.
Sovereignty triadFrom a shared question to a specific situation
We will prepare a foundation for research, discussion or a learning session.