

Episode 065 - Governance and Possibilities: A Political Economy of the Commons, with Jenn and Ilia Murtazashvili
Aug 4, 2023
In this engaging conversation, Jenn and Ilia Murtazashvili share insights from their work at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on communal property rights and self-governance. They unpack the concept of the commons and delve into the challenges of resource management, from climate change to local development needs. The duo discusses the importance of decentralized governance and highlights empowering community-led initiatives. They explore real-world examples, including the dynamics of ocean governance and the interplay between government action and market stability.
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Fieldwork Shaped A Bottom-Up Lens
- Jen describes starting in the Peace Corps and USAID which shaped her focus on bottom-up fieldwork.
- She emphasizes studying problems communities actually value rather than academic gaps.
Property Rights And Polycentricity Matter
- Ilia frames commons governance around property rights diversity and polycentric political frameworks.
- He argues effective governance requires engaging political institutions alongside local self-governance.
Commons Need Institutions, Not Fatalism
- Commons are non-excludable yet rival resources and require institutions to manage them.
- Hardin's 'tragedy' is not inevitable; institutions and collective action often prevent collapse.