How does context affect self-governance? Examining Ostrom's design principles in China

Ostrom's Design Principles (DPs) are believed to be a set of the best practical guidance for governing natural resources, but applying the DP theory should consider the local context, especially the political context, which has been examined little so far. Using the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework as a conceptual and analytical lens, this paper examines the impact of authoritarian context on self-governance in China. Based on the results of Barnard's test and Crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA), our comparative analysis of nine Water Users Association cases provides consistent evidence that supports the DP theory generally on all outcome dimensions. But self-governance under authoritarianism has unique characteristics and its operation depends on proper design of institutional configuration in accordance with context. Our analysis highlights the influence of resource intervention and leadership intervention. It sheds new insights for understanding the significant impacts of the authoritarian context on institutional design of common-pool resources.