Erla Thrandardottir

Erla Thrandardottir is a Lecturer in Global Development at the Global Development Institute, specialising in the legitimacy and legitimation of non-governmental authority. Her research examines NGO legitimacy frameworks, trust dynamics, and the practical application of David Beetham’s theory on power legitimation. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through studies on global norms, localisation, and civil society roles.

Erla teaches courses like Planning and Managing Development, Development Fieldwork, and Development Management Actors. She has led modules on Poverty and Development and Global Political Economy. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical NGO accountability challenges, emphasizing transparency and trustworthiness in international contexts.

Recent research trends focus on INGO representation (e.g., Greenpeace India case studies), legal status ambiguities, and bridging legitimacy gaps. She frequently publishes in journals like Global Governance and British Journal of Politics and International Relations, with over 25 activities including conference organisation and policy engagements.