Article
Details
Citation
Cairney P & Geyer R (2017) A critical discussion of complexity theory: how does 'complexity thinking' improve our understanding of politics and policymaking?. Complexity, Governance and Networks, 3 (2), pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.20377/cgn-56
Abstract
In this brief article, we present a critical discussion of complexity theory, asking: what does it really offer policy studies? We suggest that its stated advantages - interdisciplinarity, theoretical novelty, and empirical advance - are generally exaggerated and based more on hope than experience. In that context, we identify a cautiously positive role for complexity theory, primarily as a way to bridge academic and policymaker discussions and prompt important discussions of pragmatism in policymaking
Keywords
complexity theory; complex systems; politics; policymaking; interdisciplinarity; policy studies; Democratic accountability; Pragmatism
Journal
Complexity, Governance and Networks: Volume 3, Issue 2
Status | Published |
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Publication date | 31/12/2017 |
Date accepted by journal | 18/08/2016 |
URL | |
Publisher | University of Bamberg Press |
ISSN | 2214-2991 |
People (1)
Professor, Politics