Understanding the Legitimation of Controversial Institutions: Stakeholder Critique and Legitimation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Abstract

Legitimacy is a fragile relation that can be questioned and endangered by the smallest of events. However, in many instances, the contestation leads neither to a downfall nor to disempowerment. How can controversial institutions remain legitimised? The dissertation explores this research question in two stages. First, it discusses the theoretical aspects of the question (Articles 1 and 2). Borrowing concepts from Boltanski and Thévenot’s pragmatic sociology, it clarifies the distinction between legitimacy and legitimation and amongst legitimation problems, legitimation crisis, and legitimacy crisis. Second, the empirical part applies this perspective to a particular case study, namely stakeholder legitimation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) (Articles 3 and 4). It questions what and how the constituency justifies the institution and it examines who in the constituency keeps legitimising it. The research finds that the ETS is legitimised; however, it is not legitimate. Like most institutions, the ETS faces a legitimacy deficit. However, despite its shortcomings, it remains justified by a significant part of the constituency. A legitimised institution is not a perfect one.