Politics & Governance / Public Policy / Environmental & Climate Policy

In her book Governance of Public Affairs: The Evolution of Institutions of Collective Action,

Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action

Elinor Ostrom

Nobel Prize in Economics Papers Series： 公共事务治理：集体行动制度的演进 In her book Governance of Public Affairs: The Evolution of Institutions of Collective Action, Eleanor Ostrom delves into how groups can effectively manage common-pond resources such as forests, fisheries, and irrigation systems. The author challenges the traditional theory of the "tragedy of the commons," arguing that a third viable path exists beyond government regulation or complete privatization. Through empirical analysis of successes and failures from around the world, she demonstrates how local users can achieve sustainable resource utilization without external intervention through self-organization and self-regulation. The book details the key elements for establishing long-term institutions, including clear boundaries, conflict resolution mechanisms, and participatory oversight systems. Ultimately, this work provides a new institutional framework for understanding how humans solve the complex challenges of collective action.