Policy process theories in autocracies: Key observations, explanatory power, and research priorities

van den Dool, Annemieke; Schlaufer, Caroline (2024). Policy process theories in autocracies: Key observations, explanatory power, and research priorities. Review of policy research Wiley 10.1111/ropr.12596

Text Review_of_Policy_Research_-_2024_-_van_C2_A0den_C2_A0Dool_-_Policy_process_theories_in_autocracies_Key_observations_explanatory.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (516kB)

The policy process frameworks and theories that are currently considered mainstream were originally de-veloped in the United States, before traveling to other countries. Despite their roots in democratic values, these frameworks and theories are increasingly applied to autocracies. Given important differences between de-mocracies and autocracies, this raises questions about the desirability, limitations, and future directions of this development. In response, this article synthesizes findings from studies that apply existing policy process frameworks and theories to autocracies with the aim of assessing the extent to which the theories are, can, and should be used to explain key aspects of the policy process in autocracies. Based on qualitative content analysis of 146 English- language peer- reviewed journal articles that apply the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the Multiple Streams Framework, the Narrative Policy Framework, and the Punctuated Equilibrium Theory to 39 autocracies, we show that these theories help identify influential institutions, actors, networks, ideas, beliefs, and events. The analysis reveals important differences in policy processes between autocracies and democra-cies. Future research ought to bring existing literature on authoritarianism and authoritarian politics into pol-icy process research to test existing and new hypotheses.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

1 since deposited on 31 Jan 2024
1 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item