From a global as well as a historical perspective the modern nation-state is the exception rather than the rule.¹ Outside of the developed world, areas of limited statehood dominate the picture. This chapter discusses the implications of applying particular Western-style governance concepts to areas of limited statehood. I show how systematic research on governance in areas of limited statehood helps to clarify positions in the political debate about the transferability of concepts: Do they travel? And what are the results?