The Diminishing Returns of Crisis: Policymaking in an Era of Uncertainty

Posted: 29 Mar 2010

See all articles by McGee Young

McGee Young

Marquette University - Political Science Department

Abstract

This paper examines policy development in the context of crisis. Authors like Higgs have suggested that a ratchet effect marks the effects of crisis on the growth of government; but not all crises are created equal. This paper examines the circumstances that led to a radical reorientation of trade policy during the 1930s as an archetype for the power of crisis and then evaluates whether subsequent crises have provided similar or reduced opportunities for substantial policy change. I discuss what it would take for contemporary political entrepreneurs to achieve policy reforms on the scale of the New Deal.

Suggested Citation

Young, McGee, The Diminishing Returns of Crisis: Policymaking in an Era of Uncertainty. Western Political Science Association 2010 Annual Meeting Paper , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1580864

McGee Young (Contact Author)

Marquette University - Political Science Department ( email )

P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
United States

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