Weak states, fast transitions? Exploring the role of actors, governance capacity, and tensions in Indian energy politics

Abstract

There has been a substantial growth in the Sustainability Transitions literature in the last few years. However, most of it has come from, and has analyzed, the Global North with less attention to the Global South countries, where institutions and governance mechanisms are weaker. This paper explores the unfolding of transition dynamics through two case studies from India. It finds that because of weak governance capacity, the role of state is complex and not limited to nurturing niches, the dynamics of political conflict are not confined to niche vs. regime but happen at novel spaces like niche-regime, and the role of non-state actors like judiciary, driven by their own political vision, assumes importance. The study thus argues for more attention to the complex and multi-faceted transition politics in the Global South countries, particularly elaborating upon the role of state and its interaction with non-state actors.