Uncertainty in Policy Making

Values and Evidence in Complex Decisions

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book Uncertainty in Policy Making by Michael Heazle, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Heazle ISBN: 9781136530326
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: August 21, 2012
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Michael Heazle
ISBN: 9781136530326
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: August 21, 2012
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Uncertainty in Policy Making explores how uncertainty is interpreted and used by policy makers, experts and politicians. It argues that conventional notions of rational, evidence-based policy making - hailed by governments and organisations across the world as the only way to make good policy - is an impossible aim in highly complex and uncertain environments; the blind pursuit of such a 'rational' goal is in fact irrational in a world of competing values and interests. The book centres around two high-profile and important case studies: the Iraq war and climate change policy in the US, UK and Australia. Based on three years' research, including interviews with experts such as Hans Blix, Paul Pillar, and Brian Jones, these two case studies show that the treatment of uncertainty issues in specialist advice is largely determined by how well the advice fits with or contradicts the policy goals and orientation of the policy elite. Instead of allowing the debates to be side-tracked by arguments over whose science or expert advice is 'more right', we must accept that uncertainty in complex issues is unavoidable and recognise the values and interests that lie at the heart of the issues. The book offers a 'hedging' approach which will enable policy makers to manage rather than eliminate uncertainty.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Uncertainty in Policy Making explores how uncertainty is interpreted and used by policy makers, experts and politicians. It argues that conventional notions of rational, evidence-based policy making - hailed by governments and organisations across the world as the only way to make good policy - is an impossible aim in highly complex and uncertain environments; the blind pursuit of such a 'rational' goal is in fact irrational in a world of competing values and interests. The book centres around two high-profile and important case studies: the Iraq war and climate change policy in the US, UK and Australia. Based on three years' research, including interviews with experts such as Hans Blix, Paul Pillar, and Brian Jones, these two case studies show that the treatment of uncertainty issues in specialist advice is largely determined by how well the advice fits with or contradicts the policy goals and orientation of the policy elite. Instead of allowing the debates to be side-tracked by arguments over whose science or expert advice is 'more right', we must accept that uncertainty in complex issues is unavoidable and recognise the values and interests that lie at the heart of the issues. The book offers a 'hedging' approach which will enable policy makers to manage rather than eliminate uncertainty.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Hoodwinking the Nation by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Shakespeare and the Future of Theory by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Erving Goffman by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Transnationalizing Inequalities in Europe by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book The Small Community by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Therapy with Children by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Theoretical and Empirical Foundations of Critical Global Citizenship Education by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Michel Foucault and Education Policy Analysis by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Beyond the Energy–Water–Food Nexus by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Therapeutic Correctional Relationships by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Person-centred Primary Care by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book A Guide to the Archives of the Royal Entomological Society by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Architecture and Capitalism by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book State, Market and Peasant in Colonial South and Southeast Asia by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book The Role and Future of Special Collections in Research Libraries by Michael Heazle
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy