An essential component of governance is represented by the way citizens interact with various institutions of power and political actors. A democratic government supposes the existence of a partnership between state and its citizens, openness and mutual trust.

This is the connecting point between “governance” and “social capital”, defined by interpersonal trust, confidence in institutions, utility and solidarity networks, civic and political participation. There have been debates in literature about a causal relationship between social capital and economic development; in other words, increased confidence and the existence of active and dense social solidarity networks lead to increased cooperation in solving common problems, generating welfare and development. Because the reverse relationship holds true (economic and social development stimulates the development of social capital), we may assert that the influence is reciprocal. Consequently, we believe there is a natural interdependence between governance, social capital and social development processes. [read more]