Assessing the impact of Transnational Municipal City Networks on the provision of Global Public Goods – The case of climate change mitigation

This dissertation explores the role of Transnational Municipal Climate Networks (TMCNs) in the context of social dilemmas with the example of a “climate-safe future” as a Global Public Good (GPG). The analysis is based on the concept of “willingness” in decisionmaking processes, and how TMCNs can influence their members to cooperate. Through an interdisciplinary approach incorporating Rational Choice Theory, New Institutional Economics, and Behavioral Economics, the study offers insights into the effectiveness of these networks in strengthening global public goods provision. As a method, a fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) is applied, resulting in an analysis of TMCNs’ use of mechanisms to influence the willingness for commitment of its members, as well as indication of how to further improve the use of these mechanisms and increase the provision of the GPG. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of TMCNs' function within polycentric governance structures.