how governments set their goals (political and electoral success, the pursuit of economic growth, improving human development)? This concerns what governments define as “achievements” or “success”. (ii) the organisation of the state and political system (authoritarian vs. democratic, federal vs. unitary, presidential versus parliamentary) and how these affect what governments achieve; and (iii) the ability of organised interest/pressure groups to advance or frustrate governments in the definition and pursuit of their goals.