Analysing Public Policy: Institutions, Time and Processes

The way in which governments respond to policy problems is puzzling, not only for scholars but often also for practitioners. Rational problem solving often proves difficult as policy makers attempt to overcome various institutional and political challenges during the policy cycle.

Governments, whether in Denmark or elsewhere, often find themselves embroiled in complex processes when addressing problems emerging on the policy agenda. Therefore, observing public policy making from a comparative perspective, numerous questions lend themselves to scrutiny. For instance, why do governments declare some social or economic conditions policy problems while ignoring others? Why can a public policy be considered a success and failure at the same time? Why are politicians overreacting in relation to some policy problems while underreacting when addressing others? Why do different governments confronting similar problems address them very differently? Why are some policies difficult to reform despite obvious needs for change? Why do policies which have been stable for long periods suddenly become exposed to demands for radical change? Why are some policy reforms reversed in the post-enactment phase while others are enduring?

The course is an advanced general introduction to the public policy process. It will introduce general concepts and analytical frameworks that can be applied in studies of environmental policy making. The policy phenomena being addressed will include path dependency and sequencing, punctuated equilibrium, policy instruments and mixes, policy feedback, policy capacity, disproportionality in public policy, reform sustainability and policy success and failure.