Pluralism in FOI Law Reform: Comparative Analysis of China, Mexico and India

Abstract

This comparative case study of recent adopters of Freedom of Information (‘FOI’) Law argues that the proliferation of FOI laws requires a change in approach to, and understanding of FOI. FOI law should be viewed as an 'empty signifier' that needs to be understood in terms of the context and dynamics of each country.  The 'empty signifier' of FOI law is filled by particular advocacy bodies campaigning for reform and/or the political and administrative traditions and institutions of an adopting country. India, Mexico and China demonstrate this diversity. Pluralism rather than universalism is a more effective approach to analysing and understanding the public sector transparency that is replacing secrecy as a global norm.

Keywords: FOI, Comparative, Public Sector Transparency