Deconstructing Policy Evaluation in the Global South: Historical, Political, and Transnational Influences

Policy evaluation is crucial for effective governance and development in the Global South, yet its institutionalization is shaped by a complex interplay of historical, political, and transnational factors. This study examines how colonial legacies, domestic political dynamics, and external influences converge to influence policy evaluation practices across this diverse region, defined as countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America marked by colonial histories and structural inequalities. Employing a synthesis review of literature from 2010 to 2024 sourced from Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest, we analyze these factors through a framework integrating postcolonial theory, historical institutionalism, and global governance perspectives. Findings reveal that colonial administrative structures persist, skewing evaluations toward external agendas, whereas authoritarian regimes and weak institutional capacity limit independence, contrasting with more open systems. Transnational influences, including UN frameworks, further constrain local relevance. Civil society organizations enhance inclusivity, yet face resource and political barriers. This study advances theoretical discourse by deconstructing ethnocentric biases in evaluation practices and proposes context-sensitive frameworks that prioritize local epistemologies over universal templates. These insights offer actionable strategies for policymakers to foster accountability, equity, and sustainable development, reimagining policy evaluation as a tool for justice in postcolonial governance. Related Articles: de Wee, G., and A. Jakoet-Salie. 2025. “Policy Integration for Overcoming Fragmented Government Action in South Africa: The Case of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security.” Politics & Policy 53, no. 1: e70018. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70018. Goyal, N. 2021. “Explaining Policy Success Using the Multiple Streams Framework: Political Success Despite Programmatic Failure of the Solar Energy Policy in Gujarat, India.” Politics & Policy 49, no. 5: 1021–1060. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12426. Peterson, H. L., M. K. McBeth, and M. D. Jones. 2020. “Policy Process Theory for Rural Studies: Navigating Context and Generalization in Rural Policy.” Politics & Policy 48, no. 4: 576–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12366.