[discuss] structural separation example (was Re: Host country)

[David Conrad]

John,

On Mar 18, 2014, at 9:44 AM, John Curran <jcurran at istaff.org> wrote:
> On Mar 18, 2014, at 5:04 PM, David Conrad <drc at virtualized.org> wrote:
>> I'm curious: given ARIN performs a registration function along with a policy definition function, do you believe there should be structural separation of those functions in ARIN/the RIRs?
[...]
> When we talk about the RIRs, Registry Policy Development is generally done by a 

> community working group or body, and implementation/admin/operations handled by 
> RIR staff.  

Right. Do you see a significant difference between this and ICANN's coordination of names via gNSO/ccNSO Policy Development Processes with implementation/admin/operation done by ICANN as the IANA Functions Operator?

> Combine this with an accountable membership structure to help insure
> faithful implementation and administration, and it's not a bad system.  

So, in your view, the existence of a "clear membership structure" is sufficient to remove the need for structural separation?

> I will note, however, that even accountability to membership doesn't help provide 
> any protection against implementation that is favorable to "industry" (those who 
> are direct member of the registry);

This would appear to suggest that structural separation is still necessary despite the RIRs having a clear membership structure.

> i.e. in a case where civil society were to 
> successfully relate their (industry-adverse) needs during policy development such 
> that they were indeed adequately incorporated into policy, there is still no clear 
> recourse available against a less-than-diligent implementation, if the member-
> elected leadership fails to intervene.

Given the membership is drawn overwhelmingly (or even exclusively in practice) from the industry, wouldn't there be a natural tendency for the elected leadership to favor industry-preferred implementation?

Regards,
-drc

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