Policy Debates as Dynamic Networks

This insightful book examines how discourse network analysis can illuminate the dynamics of policy debates, particularly in the context of German pension politics.

In Policy Debates as Dynamic Networks, the author delves into the intricate workings of policy debates and the significant roles that interest groups and legislators play within them. The book introduces discourse network analysis as a powerful methodological toolbox designed for examining how political discourse evolves over time. By framing political discourse as a temporal network, the author illustrates how various actors and their statements interact within the media landscape, allowing for a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play.

The case study presented in Policy Debates as Dynamic Networks focuses on the policy debate surrounding old-age security in Germany. Through this analysis, the author, Philip Leifeld, reveals the increasing polarization of competing coalitions in German pension politics, particularly towards the late 1990s. This polarization is crucial for understanding the shifts in policy direction and the emergence of conflicting interests among stakeholders.

Leifeld further demonstrates how structural breaks within the discourse network can elucidate significant policy changes, such as the radical shift towards privatization that occurred in 2001. By applying discourse network analysis, the book not only sheds light on the complexities of policy debates but also provides valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive political change.