Networks in the Policy Process: An International Perspective

Abstract

This article (and more broadly this special issue) indicate that various types of policy networks, including governance networks, social networks, proto‐networks, and issue networks are defining the way that policy processes take place in various parts of the world. By focusing on network behavior in Africa, eastern Europe, and Denmark, it is clear that interorganizational cohesion, accesibility, trust generation, and “framing” issues are central to understanding network policy outcomes. Important implications regarding links between network characteristics and democracy are also suggested.

Keywords:

• Policy networks
• Network cohesion
• Governance
• Civil society
• Interorganizational relations
• Proto‐networks
• Social networks
• Network behavior

Acknowledgments

A special thank you is offered to the 7‐member external review board, consisting of: Jennifer Brinkerhoff, George Candler, Ali Farazmand, Myrna P. Mandell, Lindon J. Robison, David Rosenbloom, and Jean‐Claude Garcia‐Zamor. Their careful and thoughtful readings of earlier versions of the following articles are especially appreciated.