RC32 - Public Policy and Administration

Given the growing complexity of modern contemporary policy environments, which include a bewildering plethora of stakeholders and institutions, it is unsurprising that policy analysis is in considerable demand. However, the types and forms of policy analysis adopted depend largely on the specific characteristics of a given policy environment. Hence, despite the growing prevalence of global diffusion of policy analysis practices, policy analysis adoption and practice is still very much shaped by local environments.

This 5th ICPA-Forum and JCPA Research Symposium celebrates the publication of Policy Analysis in Israel of the Policy Press' International Library of Policy Analysis series.  It will address and tie up conclusions facilitated by the ILPA series across international borders with the participation of editors and authors of other volumes, and leading Israeli government officials, authors and international scholars. More specifically, triggered by the Israeli case, the focus will be on policy analysis in volatile contexts.  The symposium will address:

1. To what extent is "standard" policy analysis conceived possible, or even desirable, in a policy environment characterized by considerable national security and demographic challenges? While Israel's volatile environment might seem unique, the question of how best to practice policy analysis in such a context seems generic. The answers hold implications for policy analysis practice under "extreme" conditions, and for the training of policy analysts.   
2. Does government use of non-government analysis increase, or perhaps reduce, government capacity? The Israeli case offers a fascinating study of how government and non-government policy analyses interact which sheds light on the impact of the growth of non-government analyses in Israel or elsewhere.
3. What are the implications of the dominant position of the Israeli Ministry of Finance (MoF) in the policy process for policy analysis? Does MoF' policy dominance weaken the motivation for the practice of policy analysis in other institutional loci because it is unlikely to inform actual policy? Is it of a broader ideological concern given the clear neoliberal orientation of the Israeli MoF? A discussion could offer important insights regarding the influence of institutional/ideological dominance on policy analysis and, public policy.
4. How does policy analysis influence policy? Policy analysis cannot be detached from the political settings in which it occurs. Therefore it is likely to be strategically used (or abused) by policymakers to legitimize their endorsed policies regardless of policy evaluations. The Israel policy analysis study provides opportunities to learn how, and under what conditions, policy analysis contributes to policymaking beyond its legitimizing role.

Presenters include Prof. Klaus Schubert, Editor Policy Analysis in Germany, ILPA Vol. 1; Prof. Beryl Radin, chapter author Policy Analysis in the USA and former APPAM President; Prof. Iris Geva-May, ILPA series editor, Founding President ICPA-Forum and JCPA Founding Editor. In Israel, among prominent others, volume authors: Prof. Yehezkel Dror, a founding father of the public policy field; Dr. Karrnit Flug Governor of the Bank of Israel.