On February 19, Diane Schumann, former Doctoral Researcher in the Research Department International Institutions, successfully defended her dissertation entitled „Between Independence and Interference: The G20 Engagement Groups as Arenas of Legitimation Discourse“.
The dissertation examines how dialogue forums of global economic and financial institutions shape civil society actors' legitimacy beliefs, using the G20’s Civil 20 Engagement Groups as case study. These Engagement Groups provide a platform for diverse global non-state actors to engage with the G20, constantly navigating the tension between gaining independence and agency on the one side, and being controlled, restricted, or even silenced by the presiding country on the other side. The study finds that while G20 dialogue forums create critical spaces for discourse, they are neither effective tools for strengthening legitimacy nor for suppressing criticism. In an era of shrinking civic spaces worldwide, these forums remain an essential arena for exchange and influence.
We congratulate Diane on her successful dissertation!