Making Policy in a Complex World (Elements in Public Policy)

Description

This provocative Element is on the 'state of the art' of theories that highlight policymaking complexity. It explains complexity in a way that is simple enough to understand and use. The primary audience is policy scholars seeking a single authoritative guide to studies of 'multi-centric policymaking'. It synthesises this literature to build a research agenda on the following questions: 1. How can we best explain the ways in which many policymaking 'centres' interact to produce policy? 2. How should we research multi-centric policymaking? 3. How can we hold policymakers to account in a multi-centric system? 4. How can people engage effectively to influence policy in a multi-centric system? However, by focusing on simple exposition and limiting jargon, Paul Cairney, Tanya Heikkila, Matthew Wood also speak to a far wider audience of practitioners, students, and new researchers seeking a straightforward introduction to policy theory and its practical lessons. Title page Imprints page Abstract page Contents Making Policy in a Complex World 1 Introduction: How to Make Sense of Complexity How to Describe the Dynamics of Many Policymaking Centres Accurately and Concisely How to Analyse and Assess Multi-Centric Governance How to Hold People to Account in Multi-Centric Governance How to Engage Effectively with Complex Multi-Centric Policymaking 2 Insights from Multi-Level, Complex and Polycentric Governance Studies 2.1 One versus Multiple Centres of Authority Sharing Power As Normative Choice Sharing Power As Empirical Necessity: Bounded Rationality and Complex Environments 2.2 Multi-Level Governance (MLG) 2.3 Polycentric Governance 2.4 Complexity Theory 2.5 Assessing Approaches, Synthesising Insights and Combining Stories 2.6 Stories of Central Government Control and Accountability in the Broader Literature: From Complete to Non-Existent? Stories of Central Power Exploited by the Centre 2.7 Stories of the Limits to Central Control 2.8 Is There a Real Debate between Centric and Multi-Centric Accounts? 2.9 Conclusion 3 How to Analyse and Assess Multi-Centric Governance 3.1 Frameworks for the Analysis of Multi-Centric Governance 3.2 Tools and Methods for the Analysis of Multi-Centric Governance In-Depth Field Studies Document Coding (Including Automated and Semi-Automated Approaches) Network Analysis Agent-Based Modelling Meta-Studies 3.3 From Tools and Methods to Counterfactuals Cutting through the Noise through Counterfactual Reasoning Experimental Methods Ethnographic Research and Counterfactual Reasoning Designing Counterfactual Research Conclusion 4 How to Hold People to Account in Multi-Centric Governance 4.1 Engaging with Centralised Policymaking on Its Normative Terms 4.2 Providing Alternative Criteria to Evaluate Multi-Centric Governance 4.3 Informing Public Debate and Changing Perceptions for the Long Term 4.4 Conclusion: Multi-Centric Governance Has Normative and Practical Value 5 How to Engage Effectively within a Multi-Centric Policymaking System 5.1 Learn Where the Action Is Taking Place 5.2 Learn the ‘Rules of the Game’ of Each Policymaking Venue 5.3 Form Coalitions with Like-Minded Actors across Multiple Venues 5.4 Learn from Policy Entrepreneurs 5.5 Conclusion: How to Navigate a Complex Policymaking System 6 Discussion and Next Steps 6.1 How Do We Tell a Clear Story of Multi-Centric Policymaking? 6.2 How Can We Research and Provide Evidence on Multi-Centric Policymaking? 6.3 How Do We Encourage Accountability in Multi-Centric Systems? 6.4 How Can We Guide Effective Action? References Public Policy Public Policy Elements in the Series