The Varied Roles of Ideas in Politics

The role of forests in climate change mitigation : a discursive-institutional analysis of REDD+ MRV

“…In the words of Schmidt, this double conceptualization of discourse enables us to 'simultaneously indicate the ideas represented in the discourse (which may come in a variety of forms as well as content) and the interactive processes by which ideas are conveyed' (Schmidt, 2008, p. 309) during policymaking and public deliberations. Three types of ideas may be represented in a policymaking process: policy, programmatic and philosophical ideas (Mehta, 2011;Schmidt, 2008). Policy ideas are the strategies or solutions proposed by different policy actors to achieve given public aims.…”

“…Philosophical ideas are the taken-for-granted underlying norms and values in a given policy domain that are rarely contested, except in times of crisis (Campbell, 1998;Campbell, 2004;Mehta, 2011;Schmidt, 2008).…”

“…policy, programmatic and philosophical ideas (Mehta, 2011;Schmidt, 2008). Policy ideas are the strategies proposed by different policy actors to achieve given policy aims.…”

“…Policy ideas are the strategies proposed by different policy actors to achieve given policy aims. Programmatic ideas encompass the definition of the policy problem at hand and the policy aims to be achieved (Mehta, 2011;Schmidt, 2008;Schmidt and Radaelli, 2004; see also Wiering and Arts, 2006). Philosophical ideas are the taken-for-granted underlying ideals and values in a given policy domain that rarely contested, except in times of crisis (Campbell, 1998;Campbell, 2004;Mehta, 2011;Schmidt, 2008).…”

“…Policy discourses are the discursive processes of policymaking as discussed above. Such policy discourses can contain different types of ideas, including policies and programs (Mehta, 2011;Schmidt, 2008). Policy ideas are the strategies proposed by policy makers to achieve public aims.…”