Braided accountability in an autocratic age

This paper introduces braided accountability as a democratic response to authoritarian populism and the increasing juridification of governance. Drawing on Melvin Dubnick’s concept of accountability spaces and Richard Rorty’s pragmatism, it argues for a shift from rigid, formal mechanisms to inclusive, dynamic spaces of explanation and redescription. Using examples from business and human rights, the paper shows how accountability can amplify marginalised voices and strengthen democratic resilience through collaborative account-giving.