This book, in twelve chapters, aims to explore the intersection of three very different but related ‘fuzzy' concepts – engaged governance, social capital, and sustainable development. Our thesis is that sustainable development in Asia (as elsewhere) depends on strong stocks of social capital. We imply in this statement, a prioritization of grass-roots, or demand driven development, one that may operate in the gaps left by ineffective state institutions, or more optimistically in a synergistic relation with the state. Sustainable development does not just happen; it needs to be managed. But what does that mean in the context of local needs, local direction, recognizing the intersection of environmental, economic and social imperatives? More specifically, who manages and how? The answers to these questions are not likely to be easy or obvious because ‘good governance' is context specific. The primary focus of the book is a positive one – given the opportunity, what can be achieved even among the very poorest of the poor people, through their combined and co-operative actions. Cooperative actions and social capital may lead to ‘engaged governance' to help achieve sustainable development. Since ‘engagement' can be measured in terms of: an instrument that contributes to the achievement of both development policy and governance objective(s); a procedure that creates appropriate opportunities for participation and the provision of information to facilitate meaningful participation; and transforms the capacity of participants to engage and strengthen the governance system and democracy (Graham, et al., 2003; Guthrie, 2003), social capital as propounded by Putnam and others are likely to achieve all in different forms to help in sustainable development. The chapters within this Volume, including eight specific national and local contexts from selected countries, explore some complexity and interdependence of engaged governance, social capital and sustainable development. All country chapters are written by respective indigenous academics, and are based on primary surveys, field observations, direct interviews, other scholarly publications, and documents published by the respective government, the organizations or programs under discussion, as appropriate
