A constructivist analysis linking norm diffusion to policy networks

Abstract

Biodiversity encompasses different constructions of ‘nature’, ‘economy’ and ‘livelihood’ that contain tensions between different sets of social and ethical concerns, economic or political preferences, scientific and technological systems, traditions and knowledge. Biodiversity Policy, therefore, is an important space where the competing dynamics of these processes can be observed. Using a constructivist approach, this literature review identifies and analyses particular variables that influence policy formulation in the context of India’s two main biodiversity policies: The Biodiversity Act and the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan. The dependant model of the overall analytical framework is to explain participatory policy formulation with regard to biodiversity and the goal achievement of the actors involved. The goal of this paper is to identify the mechanisms of influence that explain a distinct process of policy formulation. These mechanisms of influence are identified first as norm diffusion through regimes - specifically the role of policy entrepreneurs and framing exercises, cultural and institutional structures-, and second, as domestic actors operating within an advocacy coalition. The research is based on expert interviews with key researchers and policy makers. The research attempts to capture the dynamic movement and interpretation of ideas as they move between the international and domestic spheres. This paper is both theoretical and empirical, as it brings in initial results from the field. It elucidates how policy processes have been constructed in certain ways and are influenced both by the international context and ideational components of domestic policy networks.