Independent policy learning: Contextual diffusion of active labour market policies

This chapter analyses in which ways diffusion based on interdependent policy learning explains the spread of active labour market policies (ALMP) in the OECD countries. By applying error correction models using multiplicative spatial Prais-Winsten regressions for analyzing the diffusion of ALMPs in 22 OECD countries from 1991–2013, we find evidence of governments adapting labour market policy strategies that have proven successful, that is, perform well in increasing labour market participation in other countries. However, interdependent learning is conditional on the institutional framework: policymakers rather learn from the experience of other countries in the same welfare regime. Even more importantly, the results bear witness to the importance of the European Employment Strategy (EES) as an international coordination framework facilitating policy learning

What about non-diffusion? The effect of competitiveness in policy-comparative diffusion research

Many scholars have convincingly shown that policies diffuse between national and sub-national entities for several different reasons. Although diffusion processes are empirically proven, we witness two shortcomings in the discussion: First, there is a lack of comparative research across policy areas. Second, the question of why diffusion might not occur in a certain domain is under-theorized and lacks an empirical test. By comparing the rationale behind diffusion processes in two policy domains—energy policy and locational policy—this paper shows that two aspects matter for diffusion processes: First is the observability of policy measures, that is, how easily things can be observed by others; second is the competitiveness of the policy domain. If policy measures can be hidden easily and the policy domain is highly competitive, policy diffusion is very unlikely to happen. Therefore, we seek the integration of these two aspects in prospective diffusion research

The Hard Case for Learning: Explaining the Diversity of Swiss Tobacco Advertisement Bans

Tobacco prevention is a hard case for policy learning. Despite clear evidence about the damaging effects on health since the 1930s, smoking prevalence remains high. Thus, what are the conditions under which we can observe diffusion of tobacco bans? The subnational units of Switzerland constitute an ideal-typical representation of the patchwork we see in global tobacco prevention. In the absence of national guidelines, some cantons have started introducing their own instruments, while others have remained largely passive. To explain this process, I combine the learning approach with the Multiple Streams Framework to examine tobacco advertising bans. The merging of these theories allows for a deeper understanding of different mechanisms promoting or hindering learning, while controlling for the role of context. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a suitable method to put this theoretical approach into practice. While a variety of factor-combinations account for the adoption or rejection of the tobacco advertisement bans, the decisive roles of private interest groups and the specific form of the proposed bans stand out. Even though a generalization of the findings may be difficult due to the peculiarities of the Swiss system, in the conclusion I reflect on how policy-makers, activists and lobbyists can use the findings about different macro-level characteristics and possible interaction-effects when they want to introduce new legislation in a political system against resilient and vested interests

Correcting misinformation about climate change: the impact of partisanship in an experimental setting

Misperceptions of the scientific consensus on climate change are an important problem in environmental policy. These misperceptions stem from a combination of ideological polarization and statements from prominent politicians who endorse information contradicting or misrepresenting the scientific consensus on climate change. Our study tests a source credibility theory of correction using different partisan sources of information in a survey experiment. We find that corrections from Republicans speaking against their partisan interest are most likely to persuade respondents to acknowledge and agree with the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. The extent of these effects vary by the partisanship of the recipient. Our results suggest that the partisan gap on climate change can be reduced by highlighting the views of elite Republicans who acknowledge the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change