Chapter 8 - Implementation Flashcards
Policy is prompted by…
A threat or opportunity.
Implementation is a _______, ________, and _______ process.
Boundary (As in it breaks the boundary of DM and actor??)
Interactive (as in one group’s decision effects others and vice versa)
Strategic (not just our motivations, but those of others)
4 Necessities for Successful Implementation
Clearly defined objectives
Sound choice of policy instrument
Interplay between an actor’s own strategy and the wider context
The actor’s ability to adjust to unforeseen circumstances
Agency v Structure Debate in Implementation
Are actions rooted
Internally in an actor’s preferences interests, and meaning, or
Externally in the context, constraints, and patterns of the system (norm and material boundaries)
How Structures are Created
First through agency, but after being continuously repeated, they harden.
Does agency or structure rule?
Depends on the context.
Strategic-Relational Approach states that …
It focuses on…
The FP behaviour of actors is:
Oriented towards the attainment of stated goals
The product of a dialectic (thesis, antithesis = synthesis) interplay between one’s strategy and what others want
The interaction between between constraints and preferences
Three Aspects of Strategic-Relational Implementation
- Neither strategy nor context can explain FP outcomes
- Constant interplay between actors and context
- Constant feedback between actors and the context (feedback loop between identities and interests)
The Meaning of “International: A view from ‘Somewhere’”.
International meanings different things to different people
International has two dimensions
Horizontal: a continuum of proximity to distance
Vertical: functional issues - political, economic, military
FPDM must harmonize both dimensions and maintain consistency
Domestic Factors on Domestic FP Implementation
Capacity
Public consensus needed to sustain FP objectives
Leads to two-level game
Horizontal Dimension
Aka concentric circle of importance/influence
Not necessarily geographic but often is (especially for small states)
Example: China closer to Canada’s circle with TPP, South Africa farther because commonwealth doesn’t matter.
Vertical DImension
Specific issue areas that need FP
Tension between Horizontal and Vertical
You are supposed to harmonize the two, but sometimes they are in conflict. Like, for example, wanting a neoliberal economic policy but wanting China at a distance.
Important contextual consideration of FP
The kind of actor you are dealing with and the aim sought.
Are they a small power driven by regional interests,a middle power, a revisionist state or a great power?
The Role of Multilateralism in Implementation
Many nations is required to implement.
It requires multi, bi, and transgovernmental cooperation.
Multilateralism makes secrets hard (on purpose - see 14 points)
Uniqueness of WTO
One of few quasi-supranational cooperation (you can disobey but then you’re out)
3 Instruments of FP
Resources - totality of a state’s (in)tangible (dis)advantages
Capabilities - resources made operational (CND thought about nukes but didn’t, so capable)
Instruments - the forms of pressure and influence open to DMs (spectrum from hard to soft power)
Types of Policy Instruments
Spectrum of Hard to soft
- Diplomacy, positive sanction, negative sanction, political interpretation (framing negatively), military action (peacekeeping or overt)
The Ends-Means Relationship of FP
Means = power is inherently relational activity Context = power impinges on FP unavoidably
Ends-Means Relationship and RAM
Stresses setting one’s goal in line with available power
