Fatal remedies. How dealing with policy conflict can backfire in a context of trust-erosion

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Wolf, Eva Elizabeth Anne; Dooren, Wouter Van
• 署名单位: Tilburg University; University of Antwerp; University of Antwerp
• 刊物名称: GOVERNANCE-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLICY ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0952-1895
• DOI: 10.1111/gove.12630
• 发表日期: 2021
• 关键词: dialogue

摘要

This article investigates the relationship between policy conflict and trust-erosion. It concludes that in a context of trust-erosion, practices to deal with conflict may backfire and lead to further conflict escalation. The article draws on an in-depth analysis of 32 interviews with key actors in the conflict over a contested multibillion-euro highway project in Antwerp (Belgium). It concludes that while all actors draw on the policy repertoire of managing public support to explain the conflict, their perspectives of what it means for a policy to have public support differ. Practices to manage public support that made sense from one perspective, contributed to the erosion of trust from those holding a different perspective, thus further escalating the conflict. Practices intended to end conflict proved to be fatal remedies.