Governance Capture

Capture is the expected long-run failure mode of any funded institution.

Indicators

• Review findings that never change behaviour
• Auditors selected and paid by the audited
• Leadership tenure without renewal on evidence
• Growth in authority without growth in measured outcome
• Declining publication of negative results

Controls

Separation of powers, external auditor appointment, mandatory sunset provisions, published conflict disclosures, removal procedures, and institutional competition — participants can leave for a rival institution, which is why voluntary participation is a governance control and not only a rights guarantee.

ISILP. Governance Capture. The Intelligentism Specification, version 0.1.0-alpha (revised 2026-08-01). https://intelligentism.isilp.org/spec/governance/governance-capture