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 Testimony by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Gifted and Talented Children with Special Educational Needs by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Global Green Infrastructure by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Agricultural Protectionism in the Industrialized World by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book In and Out of Each Other's Bodies by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book The Logic of History by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Vibe Merchants: The Sound Creators of Jamaican Popular Music by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Adult Crying by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Distrusting Educational Technology by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Old Age from Antiquity to Post-Modernity by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book English Urban Life by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Stigma and Social Exclusion in Healthcare by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book A Geographical Account of Countries round the Bay of Bengal, 1669 to 1679, by Thomas Bowrey by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Competitiveness of New Industries by Michael Heazle
Cover of the book Japan's Quest for Stability in Southeast Asia 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