LIST OF PANELS

    Learning About Policy Pathways  

One of the vexing questions surrounding comparative and historical analyses of public policy development is not only to accurately describe complex multiple step trajectories, but to explain why particular trajectories occur. While a variety of literatures shed light on these questions, increasing recognition about the role of unpredictable choices made by individuals and organizations, has moved attention away from prediction (or even “post-diction”), and instead around identifying “causal logics” through which choices and policy development might occur.   The purpose of this panel is to shed light on understanding better the interaction of agent choices who operate within institutional arenas that can, and do, carry implications for the way in which choices at particular junctures might influence policy pathways. This knowledge, in turn, might generate strategic insights for policy-oriented organizations seeking to influence enduring social and environmental challenges.