PDA at Work—Exploring Impact in Fragility and Transition

Abstract

This chapter provides further opportunity to test the central premise of the book—effectiveness of the PDA, in this case in fragile states and transition countries. Three case studies have been chosen for this: Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Serbia. It presents contextual information including historical background, political contexts, the constitutional powers of the legislature, whether the system is parliamentary or presidential, challenges including the existing organizational structure and resources of the legislature, executive–legislative relations in the context of broader state-building and governance agenda, the fragmentation and organization of the party system and its relations with parliament, targetted international engagements, and aid effectiveness. Fragile and conflict-affected states present inherently risky environments for development assistance including the PDA. However, the risks of inaction in these contexts are also high. Transition countries like Serbia offer somewhat different sets of perspectives and challenges. These countries got out of conflict already, however, continued with their journey amidst political and economic transitions. These case studies will, therefore, support the advancement of meagre knowledge and scholarship available in the particular field of fragility and transition.