Westminster, Governance and the Politics of Policy Inaction

‘Do Nothing’

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, International
Cover of the book Westminster, Governance and the Politics of Policy Inaction by Stephen Barber, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stephen Barber ISBN: 9781137487063
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: November 24, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Pivot Language: English
Author: Stephen Barber
ISBN: 9781137487063
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: November 24, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Pivot
Language: English

This book shows how political inaction has shaped the politics, economy and society we recognize today, despite the fact that policymakers are incentivised to act and to be seen to act decisively. Politicians make decisions which affect our lives every day but in our combative Westminster system, are usually only held to account for those which change something. But what about decisions to do nothing?  What about policy which is discarded in favour of an alternative? What about opposition for naked political advantage? This book argues that not only is policy inaction an overlooked part of British politics but also that it is just as important as active policy and can have just as significant an impact on society. Addressing the topic for perhaps the first time, it offers a provocative analysis of ‘do nothing’ politics. It shows why politicians are rarely incentivized to do nothing, preferring hyperactivity.  It explores the philosophical and structural drivers of inaction when it happens and highlights the contradictions in behavior. It explains why Attlee and Thatcher enjoyed lasting policy legacies to this day, and considers the nature of opposition and the challenge of holding ‘do nothing’ policy decisions to account.                                                                                                            

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

This book shows how political inaction has shaped the politics, economy and society we recognize today, despite the fact that policymakers are incentivised to act and to be seen to act decisively. Politicians make decisions which affect our lives every day but in our combative Westminster system, are usually only held to account for those which change something. But what about decisions to do nothing?  What about policy which is discarded in favour of an alternative? What about opposition for naked political advantage? This book argues that not only is policy inaction an overlooked part of British politics but also that it is just as important as active policy and can have just as significant an impact on society. Addressing the topic for perhaps the first time, it offers a provocative analysis of ‘do nothing’ politics. It shows why politicians are rarely incentivized to do nothing, preferring hyperactivity.  It explores the philosophical and structural drivers of inaction when it happens and highlights the contradictions in behavior. It explains why Attlee and Thatcher enjoyed lasting policy legacies to this day, and considers the nature of opposition and the challenge of holding ‘do nothing’ policy decisions to account.                                                                                                            

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book Constructing South East Europe by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Shakespeare and the Performance of Girlhood by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Performance and Identity in Irish Stand-Up Comedy by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Modernism and Phenomenology by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Texture In Film by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book SMEs in Asian Developing Countries by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Russia as a Network State by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Conquering Global Markets by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book East Asian Cinemas by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Self-Knowledge and Self-Deception by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Configuring Health Consumers by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Community without Community in Digital Culture by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Controversies in Healthcare Innovation by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Europe Beyond Universalism and Particularism by Stephen Barber
Cover of the book Mental Maps in the Early Cold War Era, 1945-68 by Stephen Barber
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