The concept of governance has become increasingly popular over the past 15 years signifying its growing acceptance in a number of key sectors of society. Is governance a neutral term that is merely a synonym for government, or does it signify a shift to neoliberalism? Working from a political-economy perspective, this article will explore the concept of governance, link it to the broader concept of globalization, and examine how it can affect the field of adult education using Canadian examples. Depending on the values-orientation chosen, governance, globalization, and adult education can contribute to a society that questions the pretensions of organized power while building the public good.