‘Trade-offs’ Versus ‘Safety First’: How National Differences in Flood Policy Can Be Bridged

Abstract

This article compares flood policy in Germany and The Netherlands. Narrative analysis of policies in both countries illuminates profound differences in national approaches to flood prevention. Surprisingly, these conflicts do not seem to hamper international policy making between the two countries, in light of the widely acknowledged success of co-operation on the River Rhine. This analysis helps to deepen our understanding of the advantages and the pitfalls of international co-operation. Narrative analysis shows how ambiguous principles succeed in matching and bridging the two conflicting national policy narratives. However, differences resurface in the implementation of the policy.

Key words:

• International co-operation
• Rhine
• flood management
• policy narratives