Geyer, Robert Ralph and Cairney, Paul (2017) A critical discussion of complexity theory : how does 'complexity thinking' improve our understanding of politics and policymaking? Complexity, Governance and Networks, 3 (2): 56.
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Abstract
In this article, we present a critical discussion of complexity theory. We ask: what does it really offer policy studies? We suggest that its stated advantages-- interdisciplinarity, theoretical novelty, and empirical advance--are generally exaggerated and based more on hope than experience. In that context, we identify a cautiously positive role for complexity theory, primarily as a way to bridge academic and policymaker discussions by identifying the role of pragmatic responses to complexity in policymaking.