Performative Governance
Diagnosing non-binding commitments—when governance exists symbolically but lacks structural force.
The 60-Second Version
Why do institutional commitments proliferate while outcomes stagnate?
Organisations announce policies, set targets, sign agreements, and publish reports. Yet nothing changes. This isn't hypocrisy—it's performative governance: a structural condition where commitments exist symbolically but lack binding force.
This paper introduces the Performative Governance Index (PGI): diagnostic metrics across six dimensions—binding strength, non-bypassability, enforcement coupling, authority alignment, temporal persistence, and verification integrity.
High PGI scores reveal governance that looks functional but can't actually constrain behaviour. The commitment exists. The governance is real. The binding isn't.
The Problem: Symbol Without Force
Performative governance is governance that performs its function without actually constraining behaviour. The rituals are complete. The substance is absent.
This isn't about bad intentions. People genuinely believe in the commitments. But the structure doesn't bind.
Signs of Performative Governance
Binding vs Performative
Binding Commitment
Structurally constrains future action:
- Cannot be unilaterally overridden
- Consequences are automatic
- Survives leadership changes
- Verification is independent
Performative Commitment
Exists symbolically without constraint:
- Authority can override at will
- Consequences require active enforcement
- Resets with each new leader
- Compliance is self-reported
Where This Applies
Corporate ESG
Sustainability commitments that lack enforcement mechanisms. Reports are produced; emissions continue unchanged.
International Agreements
Treaties without enforcement. Countries sign pledges with no structural consequences for non-compliance.
Safety Governance
Safety policies that exist on paper but get bypassed under operational pressure.
Reform Agendas
Institutional reforms that get announced but never implemented. The commitment was never structurally binding.
Part of the CEA Series
This paper provides the diagnostic layer for Commitment & Enforcement Architecture. It answers: how do we identify when governance is performative?
Commitment Execution Program
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