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Stability and change in international policy-making: A punctuated equilibrium approach

Author

Listed:
  • Magnus Lundgren

    (Stockholm University)

  • Theresa Squatrito

    (University of Oslo)

  • Jonas Tallberg

    (Stockholm University)

Abstract

International organizations (IOs) have developed into important policy venues beyond the state. Yet our understanding of the broader dynamics of IO policy-making is limited. This article offers the first comparative analysis of macro patterns in IO policy-making. Theoretically, we draw on punctuated equilibrium theory to develop hypotheses about stability and change in the orientation of IO policy agendas. Empirically, we examine novel data on the policy output of five general-purpose IOs between 1980 and 2015, combining statistical analysis and comparative case illustrations. The analysis yields two central results. First, the policy agendas of all five IOs display patterns of punctuated equilibria, with longer periods of stability interrupted by shorter periods of dramatic change. Second, the level of institutional friction in decision-making contributes to variation in punctuations across IOs and within IOs over time. The results suggest four broader implications: (1) punctuated equilibrium theory applies to a broader empirical domain than previously thought; (2) patterns of change in IOs are more complex than conventionally expected; (3) institutional friction matters for IOs’ responsiveness to societal demands and problem pressures; and (4) deeper integration of punctuated equilibrium theory into the study of IOs can pave the way for a promising IR research agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Magnus Lundgren & Theresa Squatrito & Jonas Tallberg, 2018. "Stability and change in international policy-making: A punctuated equilibrium approach," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 547-572, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:revint:v:13:y:2018:i:4:d:10.1007_s11558-017-9288-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11558-017-9288-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Maria Josepha Debre & Hylke Dijkstra, 2021. "COVID‐19 and Policy Responses by International Organizations: Crisis of Liberal International Order or Window of Opportunity?," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 12(4), pages 443-454, September.
    3. Inke Torfs & Ellen Wayenberg & Lieselot Danneels, 2023. "Institutional shifts and punctuated patterns in digital policy," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 40(3), pages 363-388, May.
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    5. Vaclav Vlcek, 2023. "Who cares about the UN General Assembly? National delegations size from 1993 to 2016," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 14(2), pages 349-360, May.
    6. Maria J. Debre & Hylke Dijkstra, 2023. "Are international organisations in decline? An absolute and relative perspective on institutional change," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 14(1), pages 16-30, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International organizations; Policy-making; Punctuated equilibrium; Policy agenda; Institutional responsiveness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations

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