PUBLIC POLICY -- SCHOOL AND SCIENCE
dr. Tibor Lengyel MAPP, B.Sci.
Foreign Relations, Theory, Policy, Process
- There is more to Policy than Process
Before you can consider policy, one has to ask about the religious, philosophical, ideologicalperspective and then the corresponding political (constitutional, historical and hence values attached) principles (absolutes). These first two levels, one can package or streamline into concrete Programs. There are a multiple of perspectives connected to different principles / absolutes crystallized in different programs.
Approaches –Perspectives / Ideologies
- Realism (and Neo-realism)
- Functionalism (and Neo- functionalism)
- Constructionism
- Internationalism – left liberal and socialist
- Internationalism – conservative / classical liberal / Christian
- World Order (WOMP); [variations: radical and feminist critiques. Missing?]
- Global Order and Global Governance
Their different content often is expressed in similar or the same words / vocabulary (solidarity, federalism, human rights, freedom, security), signifying (even) opposing concepts
We can look upon policy in terms of 6 P's: (expanded on following page)
Perspective
PrinciplesOther Dimensions of FP considerations
ProgramPriorities
PolicyProper nature of compromise
ProcessStrategy and tactics
PracticeTiming
- As a School of Government or Intern. Relations, we are interested in Public Policy.
- Public Policy is GovernmentPolicy.
The institutional focus is the sphere sovereignty or jurisdiction of government with its many functional policy dimensions. Self-government in the USA takes the constitutional form of a federal democratic republic.
- Public Justice.
Learn and discern whether government's policies serve the public interest from a classical / historic / constitutional legal perspective of public justice: Equal Justice under Law
“OR”
Different other views of justice: Economic Justice and Environmental Justice.
- Political Economy.
Government policies serve the promotion of the commonwealth, the protection of a free and responsible market economy. The criteria for stewardship, within government and government's role in economy, are the 3 “C”s: The three dimensions of the One economic norm of stewardship are:
Cultivation of environment for economic prosperity (e.g. intellectual property)
Conservation of human and natural resources, (e.g. sound monetary/fiscal policy)
Caring and compassion for poor; providing a careful balance between welfare and work; provide welfare if need be, but not institute a Welfare State.
There is an integral relationship between care (compassion) and cultivation (expand) and conservation in "humane" economics. They are 3 dimensions of the same economic activity.
George Gilder, in Wealth and Poverty,(ICS Press, 1993, ed.) states that the norm for economic activity is GIVING.
"Capitalism begins with giving. Not from greed, avarice, or even self-love can one expect the rewards of commerce, but from a spirit closely akin to altruism, a regard for the needs of others, a benevolent, outgoing, and courageous temper of mind"( p.21).
- Political Culture.
Economic Freedom and Free Society flourish in a political culture based on transcendental norms (Ethos) and constitutional principle of rule of law. Public policies should promote the commonwealth, just like the private sector policies promote private and social wealth.
Public Policy does not study the policies of special interest groups per se, except as civil society participants or pressure groups seeking to impose their private interests on the public good. Political Science tracks and analyzes interest group and pressure group trends and power relations -- leading up to, for example, elections or change in government.
- Classical liberal / Conservative / Historic Perspective on Policy Science
- Knowledge:
Classical anthropology has a three fold, balanced view of man and knowledge. It distinguishes, but does not depreciate either kind of knowledge The three dimensions are integrated and interrelated.
Religious knowledge- Heart knowledge - Revelation and Insight
Scientific knowledge- Head knowledge- Reason and Intelligence.
Ordinary knowledge Hands on. Experience and Intuition
- Calling and Task:
Classical view of policy and science will acknowledge the distinctive tasks and callings, freedoms and responsibilities of politicians and academics, and their respective institutions.
- Academic Advisor:
Social scientists can serve as advisors, etc.
They must play the role of servant - critical role, and contribute to re/affirm, re/state, perspectives, principles, programs, policies, etc. As policy practitioners they engage in a three-fold task, while acknowledging the constitutional calling of elected officials.
[Modern thinkers tend to split this task and prescribe separate responsibilities to "intellectuals" (factual analysis) and politicians (prescription of values and purpose).]
AnalysisDescriptionInformation and Understanding
AdvocacyPrescriptionPolitical Explanation and Persuasion
AttitudeConscriptionPublic service and servant leadership
- Rationalist Mindset.
Positivistic and pragmatic thinking wants to transform politics into a science. Rationalists tend to idolize scientific knowledge: scientism or rely on common sense knowledge: pragmatism, and dismiss spiritual insights (religion) to mere opinion or opium.
Policy scientists (Experts) want to play the un-elected political elite. They intend to speak "Truth to Power," identifying Truth with "scientific" knowledge. This arrogant "intellectualism" invites corresponding "anti-intellectualism," the disdain by ordinary people and politicians for the contribution of academics or "intellectuals."
V.SIX P's of POLICY WhereWhat
PERSPECTIVE(auto) biographyPeace & Prosperity
Collection of speechesEqual Opportunity
ManifestoStrong America
Business is Beautiful
Sovereignty of People
PRINCIPLES(auto) biographyIndividual Dignity/Freedom
Party campaign speechesLimited Government
Inaugural AddressFree Enterprise Economy
ManifestoNational Security --
Second to none
PROGRAMParty PlatformReduces Taxes
Election campaignAmerica Working Again
speechesNational Renewal
POLICIESState of the UnionTax Cuts
AddressBudget Cuts - Deficit
State of the EconomyInflation - Stable Money
Message to CongressDefense - increase/strong
PROCESSCongressional DebatesTax Cut
LegislativeCommittee HearingsDefense Expenditures
Conference Committee
PRACTICEDepartmentsHealth/Welfare Acts
AdministrationBureaucracies--AgenciesDe-Regulation
PRIORITIESRanking of political issues and policies
having (prior) claim to consideration and conclusion.
Strategy and Tactics
CompromiseAlways on policies and in process, not on principles
(addressing Change and Processes in the light of what is not changing).