Steering against Superbugs: Research Agenda and Four Perspectives for Global Governance

The chapter introduces the research agenda as well as elucidating the common themes and findings of the book. The book should be read as a pitch of ideas rooted in social sciences. Based on lessons learned from the different chapters, four perspectives for the future global governance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that could help effectively steer against superbugs are identified. The chapter argues first that global governance of AMR should rely on polycentrism, that is, a horizontal network of multiple and transboundary governing authorities capable of drawing on local knowledge, mutual monitoring, and peer learning. Secondly, there is a need for building new types of cross-sectoral coalitions to boost AMR-related policy-making and policy implementation. Thirdly, while global strategies against AMR are important, many of the book’s contributions agree that targeted actions are necessary for effective impact. Fourthly, the argument for shifting intervention focus away from individuals to the structures that drive their behaviour is presented. This chapter ends with a thematic summary of the book’s chapters.