Do International Organizations Influence Domestic Policy Outcomes in OECD Countries?

Abstract

This chapter examines to what extent policy ideas and norms promoted at the transnational and international level around gender and family policy are influential at the domestic policy level in OECD countries. Existing research demonstrates a mixed record in terms of transnational and international non-state actors’ influence on domestic policy in the Global North. This chapter argues that international norms are diffusing to domestic policy actors and processes rather unevenly. While international organizations (IOs) and transnational advocates can facilitate the spread of ideas of best practices around gender equality in general and family policy in particular, for liberal welfare states (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA), IOs are still less authoritative than the national level when it comes to on-the-ground policymaking.

Social policy research in changing European societies

“…We focus here on policies institutionalized or initiated by the state, whether at national, regional, or local levels. Even as international and supra-national organizations such as the European Union (EU), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the International Labour Organization gained more influence in social policymaking (e.g., Nieuwenhuis & Van Lancker, 2020;Razavi, 2020;White, 2020), much of this influence is still implemented through national legislation and policy. The exact role of the state may differ, across countries as well as areas covered by the welfare state and social policies.…”

The World Bank and Healthcare Reforms: A Cross‐National Analysis of Policy Prescriptions in South America

“…To mitigate uncertainty, policymakers tend to follow best practices. Although research often focuses on learning between countries (e.g., Kahneman, 2003), learning mechanisms can also be observed between IFIs and nation-states as countries can use external recommendations as blueprints to develop their own policies (Obinger et al, 2012;Rose, 1991;White, 2020). Emulation, on the other hand, refers to national governments' willingness to conform to international trends and ideas to belong to a specific community.…”

“…Research shows that ideas are not transmitted perfectly from the international to the national level, as domestic factors, such as socio-political context and national stakeholders, can impede the transfer of foreign prescriptions or alter their content (Orenstein, 2008;White, 2020). Research further suggests that asymmetrical power dynamics make LMICs susceptible to accepting IFIs agendas.…”

Origins of Family Policy: Prerequisites or Diffusion

“…We provide the first global analysis of the origins of family policy, systematically testing established theories and propositions. This facilitates an assessment of the influence of international linkages on the development of family policy, which is widely acknowledged but proves difficult to pin down (White 2020).…”