The relevance of policy process theories in Europe

European Policy Analysis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 11, 2025

About a quarter century ago, Paul Sabatier brought together what he considered the most promising and useful theoretical approaches to studying policy processes in inaugural edition of Theories Policy Process (Sabatier, 1999). This seminar work featured contributions exclusively from U.S.-based scholars reflected U.S. political setting—characterized by majoritarianism, pluralism, federalism, strong emphasis on individualism. A year later, European Journal Public published symposium critically examining relevance these process theories context (Dudley et al., 2000). The questioned volume's content, its scientific orientations, suitability for understanding distinctive countries Union. Fast-forward today, fifth has been (Weible, 2023). While roster evolved—with some added others removed—the foundations collection remain rooted processes. That said, scope perspectives have broadened significantly. All but two chapters now feature co-authors, text engages questions growing applicability across diverse domains governing settings, authoritarian regimes democracies (e.g., Tosun & Workman, special Analysis revisits themes Dudley al. (2000) about studies contributing authors present comprehensive exploration theories—past, present, future—with particular focus applications their broader impacts. It begins with Claudio Radaelli, coauthor (2000), who reflects evolution over decades, drawing his career field. In contrast, Cairney (2025) provide contemporary snapshot that includes survey recently applying Europe. Related impacts, Evangelia Petridou delve into cross-cutting concept—policy entrepreneurs—conducting systematic review highlight insights applications. subsequent tackle challenges gaps integrating theories. Zohlnhöfer Herweg address three underexplored concepts applications—political parties, macro-level institutions, Europeanization—calling greater inclusion. Similarly, Giliberto Capano shifts discussion implementation instruments, advocating more robust research areas support research. Karin Ingold examine contextuality, focusing decentralization, consensualism, corporatism as pivotal factors Western issue concludes Sandra Plümer (2025), offer forward-looking perspective through lens early scholars. They showcase how emerging researchers are approaching innovating Together, needed evolution, application, future direction context. introductory essay highlights key central surrounding Chief among them is concept contextuality: How can we effectively integrate theorizing account multi-level nature systems, micro-foundations individual agency, immediate contextual influences specific behaviors? Each article addresses contextuality distinct perspectives, such identifying limitations Europe, recommending strategies advancing field, analyzing data illustrate improved approaches, more. issue's nontrivial offering foundation current state field pathways advancement. Although primary Europe—and predominately Europe—the extend well beyond due enduring issues addressed. These involving grapple globe. doing so, raises critical it studies, why phenomena, conducting study. discussions this also resonate earlier seminal works, those align debates shaped inception—starting, sake argument, Lasswell (1951) continuing Ranney (1968), Simeon (1976), (1991), others. Moreover, intersect discourse theories, including portability (Bandelow 2022), normativity (Heikkila Jones, impacts (Berglund 2022). provides thematic overview issue. discussing associated incorporating fall midrange theorizing. then synthesizes ideas articles concluding section offers reflections dimensional contextuality. suggests ensure scholarship continues advance study forward upward, both Europe beyond. reaffirms From conducted scholars' provided continue demonstrate utility value. stems several factors, clear conceptualizations, well-defined hypothetical relationships, extensive global community resources, available methods analysis. adaptability allow wide range settings. However, point not merely commend acknowledging strengths important—if only build upon going forward—the goal identify outline agendas reflecting application I never particularly concerned question "relevance" terms applicability. applied globally almost since creation, often frequently outside than inside Instead, my concern lies usefulness research—do genuinely enhance our without introducing significant omissions or distortions? For instance, typical Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) Switzerland reveals similar patterns observed share federal governmental structures operate within near polyarchies, Switzerland's consensualism should, theory, produce observable compared majoritarianism pluralism characteristics (see 2025). other words, know there differences between countries, does adequately capture them. Something being unnoticed, omitted, distorted—nuances should distinguish contexts somehow flattened. mirrors various albeit universally. helps step back take situation recognizing fundamentally (Little, 2016; Merton, 1968). occupy an intermediary level abstraction, aspects governance politics rather attempting explain broad societal changes. link empirical observations insights, necessitating narrower targeted explanatory grand theory might seek agenda setting, change, actor behavior decision-making venues. aims broad, overarching explanations transformations, exemplified Marx's approach. Positioned midrange, possess conceptual concreteness analyze, describe, phenomena contexts. contributes recognized accessibility. methodological transparency fostered culture error-seeking iterative learning. allows accumulation supports ongoing which enhanced effectiveness time. same qualities push margins agendas, posing centrally work. Even skilled scholars, practices result loss nuance. example, change venue much consideration given forces made possible first place. broader, temporal, situational (Hofferbert, 1974; Mettler SoRelle, 2023; Skocpol, 1998), many still overlook underestimate role agency localized driving unique longstanding linking structure vice versa (see, e.g., Archer, 1995; Coleman, 1990; Little, 2016). Ensuring entails challenges. Central effort need better incorporate improve analytical quality avoid bluntness blindness sometimes characterize requires refinements navigating levels while accounting collective agents. Addressing challenge demands refining methodologies complexity nuance varied institutional Fundamentally, seeks address. contributors were general papers, briefly outlined article, they each identified common threads literature, contexts, recommendations adapting adjusting Radaelli's reflective 1990s brings focus. To begin, worth emphasizing rare journal personal someone whose so closely paralleled people had privilege hearing Radaelli experiences firsthand field's development, milestones, trajectory—many not. Articles like invaluable, just historical records part memory us remember shared intellectual journey, got here plan future. Among relationships field—the connections drive spread ideas, At time, gives reasons reflect potential crowding out certain European-based scholarships, Référentiel (Muller, 2000) actor-centered institutionalism (Scharpf, 1997). remind dual scholarly trends. trends spark innovation interest, overshadow valuable that, whatever reasons, attract sustain amount attention. neglect lead unnecessary divisions, forgotten lessons, cyclical rediscoveries already established long ago. Finally, avenues research: integration stages cycle, bridging public administration management considering normativity. analysis literature review, illustrative case comparing high low use UK France, no singular 'European experience' generalizable patterns. Notably, adoption upward trajectory though unevenly distributed heavy concentration handful countries. Their comparative France influence diverse, long-term traditions, inhibit appeal One findings 'off-the-shelf' ready. require careful adaptation setting goals, designs, necessities, clarity attention power (and, hence, normative question) implementation. underscore positive community, serves bedrock growth adaptation. reviewed entrepreneur 1999 2023, treating originates single picked up multiple idea important recognize. When well-defined, operationalized, theorized, help bridge fostering cross-theory discussions, collaboration, obscurities inconsistencies definitions operationalizations, miscommunications, limited generalizability lesson learning, and, ultimately, stagnation. strongest signals entrepreneurs travels lion's remains MSF occasional uses others, ACF, Diffusion Innovation (PDI), Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET). less definitions, theorizing, instead consider contextualization. Specifically, settings operate, argue explore interactions entrepreneurs, actors, structures, large bureaucracies, Commission. Additionally, understand achieving goals. likely entrepreneurs' motivations, networks, strategies, effectiveness, all warrant deliberate Whereas emphasized ready "off-the-shelf," argument further when context: governance, Europeanization. focuses MSF, PET. varying degrees, note substantial do it. argued parties' roles, mentioned ACF PET, undertheorized. comment scarcity nuances politics. al.'s points needing pick nuance, takes ready-to-go tips adjustments. Similar issue, conducts textual-based four theories—including Narrative (NPF), PET—as written Weible (2023). His objective prevailing norms using pertinent essential argues bias evident emphasize research—namely policymaking—but tend de-emphasize—policy instruments related According Capano, interplay policymaking administrative structures. He contends short encouraging fill develop process. Thus far, discussed missing under-theorized proposed adjust go putting action. Operating primarily orientation building off Lijphart (1999), factors: corporatism. derive original hypotheses coalition characteristics, testing against existing datasets findings. arguments laudatory. Like diversity context, neither easily nor directly comparable Yet, results reveal showing decentralization impact formation minority coalitions collaboration opposing coalitions. marks analyses validate claims. learning navigate processes, engaging mainstream another vital aspect designing projects teaching research, making relevant practice science. importance community. empowering junior important, especially choices, planning trajectories, embracing reflexivity practices. Incorporating theoretically methodologically micro-focused research), Elevating underutilized overlooked locale parties theory-driven Europe), Fostering new experienced supporting scholars), gap science bringing research) Considering theory-based research). at least one advice illustrations. limitations, which, if constructively, be First, addressed (2023), even way. occasionally, NPF received attention, PDI, Feedback Theory, Ecology Games Framework, Institutional Development (IAD) largely overlooked. omissions, near-complete absence IAD striking, frequent omission notable capacity structure, empirically grounded U.S.—making highly enhancing (Schlager Villamayor-Tomas, avenue would involve program draw lessons inform Second, enough relates methods. Sabatier's (1999) call "the theories" multitude books (2020) Peters Zittoun (2016), give disproportionate development far development. imbalance prioritize expense theory—far Methods stray, stagnate. balance historically, leaned heavily leaving secondary consideration. tendency. With exception again necessary apply all, follow-up one, strongly advocate background foreground discussions. After methods, any posited run risk becoming abstract out-of-touch something advances Third, along lines, discussion. include vast array policy-related addressed, social identity (Hornung 2019), increasingly well-organized (Dunlop 2024), (Smith 2017) interpretive (Durnová Weible, 2020). My sense highlighted areas, differences. communities may readily considerations If nothing else, inspire areas. Fourth, center extended interpretation As noted earlier, research—it encompasses questions, meaningful society. critique practical contribute sufficiently solving problems. claims hold merit, recognize informed unpublished academic journals undiscussed conferences. Our sophistication, academia means bring Deleon 2010), vary stage, plays different acting advocates serving information providers. precedes publication. Researchers, myself included, engage communities, contracts grants necessitate "broad impacts." later re-analyzed submitted journals, where understated. trend tendencies publishing: journals—including readers—prioritize stress localized, Put simply, challenging publish tied location convincing audience relevance, typically achieved There widely recognized. underappreciated insufficiently opportunities contributions' regularity, quality, scope. implication clear—if committed work, must actively ways elevate dimension careers. experiences, aspirations regarding 2020s. come moment following generational turnover relatively stage implications reach. emerged after decades rapid growth, rise high-quality international associations conferences, interconnectedness. faced 2020s persisted 1950s, finding positioning itself fields disciplines, developing higher excellence—all heterogeneity subject matter. was conceived backdrop pressing challenges—from climate inequities strife—that test charge act world. Whether view period ascent, stagnation, decline, nevertheless captures optimism beyond, pragmatic purposes. *Chinese Translation* 标题 政策过程理论在欧洲的相关性 摘要 在《政策过程理论》(Sabatier, 1999)第一版出版约25年后, Dudley等人(2000)对其内容、基础和与欧洲的相关性作出了批判性回应。接下来的近25年里, 政策过程理论在欧洲蓬勃发展——尽管并非毫无保留。随着《政策过程理论》(Weible, 2023)第五版的出版, 《欧洲政策分析》杂志的这期特刊再次研究了"政策过程理论在欧洲的相关性"这一疑问。本篇导论总结了特刊的一些主要经验。列出了情境性的关键挑战, 特别是"根据不同的研究目标、风格和背景来定制政策理论"这一需求。最后, 识别了一系列用于推进该领域的机遇。 作者 Christopher M. Weible是美国科罗拉多大学的一名杰出教授, 也是科罗拉多大学丹佛分校公共事务学院政策与民主中心的联合主任。他担任瑞典吕勒奥理工大学社会科学、技术和艺术系的客座教授。 致谢 我要感谢《欧洲政策分析》杂志的编辑团队——Nils Bandelow、Johanna Horning、Ilana Schroeder和Fritz Sager ——他们对本期特刊想法的支持和热情体现了期刊编辑的最高标准。我还要衷心感谢所有为本期特刊作贡献的作者。他们富有创造性的学术研究造就了一期同样出色的特刊。本期特刊中的文章通过同行评审人员的宝贵反馈得到了进一步完善和改进, 这些同行评审自愿奉献时间和专业知识来改进内容。最后, 我要感谢瑞士国家科学基金会, 后者资助了伯尔尼大学的一次现场研讨会来发展本期特刊中的思想, 并感谢Johanna Hornung领导这次研讨会。 导论 大约四分之一世纪前, 保罗·萨巴蒂尔(Paul Sabatier)在《政策过程理论》第一版(Sabatier, 1999)中汇集了他认为对研究政策过程最有前途和最有用的理论方法。这一研讨会著作收录了专门来自美国学者的文章, 反映了美国的政治环境——以多数主义、多元主义、联邦主义和对个人主义的高度重视为特征。一年后, 《欧洲公共政策杂志》发表了一篇论文集, 批判分析了这些政策过程理论在欧洲情境下的相

Language: Английский

Policy process theory development: Perspectives from European junior scholars

European Policy Analysis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 18, 2025

Abstract The development of policy process theories is progressing rapidly. Scholars increasingly apply these originated in the US to different contexts and continents, such as Europe. Furthermore, scholars at career stages, including junior scholars, work on with theories. Focusing this paper poses following question: What are key considerations European engaging theory development? We present three observations: first observation refers general construction a research project contributing development. second investigates how teaching public policy, general, can advance third focuses bridge science‐practice gap scholar working observations highlight potential making use your own agency

Language: Английский

Collaboration and participation in governance

Review of Policy Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 15, 2025

Language: Английский