Learning From Comparative Public Policy

Learning From Comparative Public Policy

by Richard Rose
Released August 2004
Publisher(s): Routledge
ISBN: 9781134371112

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Book description

This textbook offers a fresh approach to the study of comparative politics and public policy. Instead of concentrating on why countries differ, Learning From Comparative Public Policy explores how countries can learn from each other about the success and failure of policy initiatives. With its theory and practice focus, the lively narrative analyzes the cultural and resources problems involved in importing policies, and the roles of institutions, regulators, think tanks and experts.

In addition to explaining the key tenets of policy analysis, the internationally renowned author offers a wide variety of international case studies and useful boxes to highlight examples. Invaluable reading for students of public policy, for policy makers and practitioners working in the public sector, it includes:

* learning from comparison
* defining a problem and creating awareness
* where to look for lessons
* applying the policy model
* the problems of importing models
* using terms to evaluate future consequences.

Table of contents

  1. Front Cover
  2. Learning from Comparative Public Policy
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Contents
  7. List of boxed examples
  8. Acknowledgements
  9. Introduction: why learn lessons from abroad?
    1. The need to learn
    2. Why foreigners?
    3. Applying knowledge
  10. STAGE I Getting started
    1. Step 1 Understanding programmes and lessons
      1. Programmes as building blocks
      2. Parallel and interdependent programmes
      3. What a lesson is – and is not
    2. Step 2 Creating awareness of problems
      1. No problem; we’re satisfied
      2. Events create problems
      3. Solutions make it easier to face up to problems
    3. Step 3 Where to look for lessons
      1. Uses and limits of history
      2. Learning from afar as well as near at hand Too big or too good to ignore
  11. STAGE II Venturing abroad
    1. Step 4 Finding out how a programme really works there
      1. Forums for learning: official and unofficial
      2. No substitute for going there
    2. Step 5 Turning anecdotes into a model
      1. What a model is
      2. What a model leaves out
  12. STAGE III Returning home
    1. Step 6 Drawing a lesson
      1. Applying a model
      2. Applying lessons in the European Union
    2. Step 7 Should a lesson be adopted?
      1. Political conflicts about ends and means
      2. Pressures from abroad
      3. Vetoes are not permanent
    3. Step 8 Can a lesson be applied?
      1. Inheritance before choice
      2. Resource limitations
      3. Mutual misunderstandings
    4. Step 9 Increasing chances of success
      1. Making the most of contingencies
      2. Manipulating foreign symbols
    5. Step 10 Looking ahead
      1. Evaluation – prospective and retrospective
      2. As time goes by: evolution and adaptation
      3. Never say never in politics – but you may have to wait
  13. References
  14. Index

Product information

  • Title: Learning From Comparative Public Policy
  • Author(s): Richard Rose
  • Release date: August 2004
  • Publisher(s): Routledge
  • ISBN: 9781134371112